Writing the opening of 'Whale Rider'
I can write the opening of 'Whale Rider'.
Writing the opening of 'Whale Rider'
I can write the opening of 'Whale Rider'.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The purpose of a narrative opening is to introduce the characters and to describe the setting to the reader.
- Using a range of sentence types (simple, compound and complex) improves text flow for the reader.
- A fronted adverbial of time, place or manner adds extra detail to the main clause that follows it.
- This narrative version of ‘Whale Rider’ is written in the past tense.
- Oral rehearsal before writing helps to structure grammatically correct sentences and check for sense.
Keywords
Opening - the first part of a narrative that sets the scene for the rest of the story
Past tense - shows that the action happened before now
Fronted adverbial - a sentence starter followed by a comma
Common misconception
Pupils might write about moments that take place later in the narrative.
Ensure that pupils know to focus on the three key moments from their plans from the previous lesson.
Equipment
You must have access to the film 'Whale Rider' (South Pacific Pictures, 2002) to complete this unit. Images of the characters and scenes from the film will be helpful.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
She caressed the smooth exterior of his shell necklace.
Paikea gazed at her grandfather while he looked out at the sea.
She rode alongside him and they headed towards the sea.