Lesson 4: Writing a story 

What parents need to know

This is where everything comes together:

• description

• expanded noun phrases

• speech

• a clear storyline

Lesson breakdown 

Step 1: Revisit expectations 

Remind your child their story should include:

• describing words

• at least one piece of speech

• a beginning, middle and end

Step 2: Share a model story

Modelled example story:

One quiet afternoon, a huge, hairy giant sat alone in his dark, gloomy cave. In front of him was a shallow, wooden bowl filled with bubbling, slimy liquid. Slowly, he lowered his wide, muddy foot into the strange mixture.

Suddenly, a tiny, purple creature fluttered down from the cave ceiling and landed near the giant’s toes. The surprised giant jumped back and cried, “Ouch, my foot feels very strange!”

The small creature smiled kindly and said, “Please don’t worry, it is only my magic fizz.” The giant looked closely at his aching foot and began to feel calmer.

In the end, the fizz stopped bubbling and the pain went away. The happy giant laughed loudly and thanked his new friend. From that day on, the giant was never lonely again.

Explain this is just an example, not something to copy exactly.

Step 3:. Independent writing 

Your child writes a short story - they can extend further if confident

Help by:

• encouraging them to check their plan

• helping sound out words

• reminding them to reread