This 14-lesson unit uses the popular Netflix series Stranger Things as a thematic hook to engage students in developing their descriptive writing skills. Through a blend of modelled writing, textual analysis, film clips, and creative tasks, students explore key techniques such as: Using the five senses Similes, metaphors, and personification Mood and atmosphere Symbolism Contrast and motif Sentence variety “Show not tell” technique Key Features of the Unit: Stimulus-Based Learning: Lessons are built around Stranger Things clips and imagery, which provide powerful and engaging stimuli for writing. Step-by-Step Skills Development: Techniques are introduced gradually (e.g., similes in Lesson 3, mood in Lesson 7), with modelled examples and scaffolded practice. Punctuation and Vocabulary Focus: Each lesson includes at least one short activity on sentence types, vocabulary building, or punctuation. Peer and Self-Assessment: Lessons include success criteria, checklists, and peer assessment tasks to promote independence. Differentiation: Challenge tasks and extension prompts are embedded, particularly for high-attaining students (e.g., using extended metaphors or embedding symbolism). Assessment Opportunities: Formative Assessment (Lesson 6): Character description Summative Assessment (Lesson 14): Setting description Activities Include: Matching vocabulary to moods from video clips Rewriting “telling” sentences to “showing” sentences Describing places using sensory detail and motif Zoom-in descriptive writing tasks from images Exploring symbolism using visual cues and media references Peer-assessing using success criteria checklists