Lesson 1: Character Description

What parents need to know

Children at this age often write very simple sentences. This lesson helps them add detail using adjectives.
An expanded noun phrase is just a fancy way of saying describing words before a noun.

Example:

• giant → the huge, hairy giant

Step 1 -  Talk first – 

Sit with your child and look closely at the picture.

Ask gentle questions:

• Who is the main character?

• What does he look like?

• Is he friendly or scary?

• How do you think he feels?

Encourage full spoken sentences. If your child gives one-word answers, model a full sentence for them to repeat.

Step 2: Teach expanded noun phrases 

Explain simply:

• A noun is a naming word (giant, foot, bowl).

• We can make nouns more interesting by adding adjectives.

Say examples out loud:

• the huge, hairy giant

• the wide, dirty foot

• the shallow, slimy bowl

👉 You do not need to use the term “expanded noun phrase” repeatedly—just explain the idea.

Modelled example:
The huge, hairy giant sat on a cold stone.

Step 3: 

Say a noun and let your child add two describing words.

Examples:

• foot → the big, muddy foot

• cave → the dark, gloomy cave

Say the full phrase together.

Step 4:  Writing time 

Ask your child to write 6-8  sentences describing the giant. e.g. 

• The huge, hairy giant sat on a cold stone.

• He slowly dipped his wide, dirty foot into the shallow, slimy bowl.

• The surprised giant looked down at his muddy, aching toes.

Remind them to:

• start sentences with a capital letter

• use describing words

• end with a full stop