Our Solar System: Planets, Orbits and Moons | Explanation Writing Pack | Year 5/6

This fully resourced two-week explanation writing unit introduces pupils to Our Solar System: Planets, Orbits and Moons. Through rich, age-appropriate scientific content, pupils will learn about the planets, the Moon, gravity, and orbital movement—then turn that knowledge into high-quality explanation texts using clear, structured writing.

Aligned with Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, the unit builds knowledge through modelled examples, scaffolded tasks, and explicit grammar instruction. Perfect for cross-curricular science and literacy work.

This pack includes:

• 10 detailed lessons with clear learning objectives and teacher modelling
• A two-page WAGOLL (model text) with annotated teacher notes
• Over 110 editable teaching slides
• 17 pupil worksheets aligned with each stage of the writing process
• Sentence stems, writing scaffolds, and success criteria
• Grammar focus: conjunctions, fronted adverbials, and expanded noun phrases
• Audio version of the WAGOLL for accessibility and EAL learners
• Dyslexia-friendly font and layout
• Quizzes, retrieval tasks, and assessment tools included

This unit supports the KS2 science topic Earth and Space and is ideal for whole-class instruction, guided groups, or independent explanation writing. It brings science to life through structured, purposeful writing opportunities.

If you have questions do not hesitate in emailing me at: bitesizeeducation01@gmail.com

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