*New* The Lonely Beast – News Report Script Writing Unit

The Lonely Beast – News Report Script Writing Unit (6 Sessions)

Inclusive English planning supporting communication, confidence and storytelling

This detailed Scheme of Work is based on The Lonely Beast by Chris Judge — a fun and imaginative story exploring loneliness, friendship and courage. Through sensory storytelling, drama activities and structured discussion, pupils connect with the Beast’s journey before working collaboratively to plan and perform a news report about his experiences.

Designed for learners working across Pre-Formal, Semi-Formal, Formal and Formal+ pathways, this unit provides fully differentiated access to communication, sequencing and functional writing. Visual scaffolds, role-play and symbol-supported planning enable participation at each student’s individual level, with attention to building confidence and expressive language.

What’s included

• 12 structured sessions delivered over six weeks
• Sensory-led reading and literacy application weekly
• Pathway-specific instructions for every activity
• Clear learning objectives and differentiated success criteria
• Drama and role-play opportunities (interviewing the Beast, news desk performance)
• Vocabulary development through images, Makaton and Colourful Semantics
• Story sequencing using key moments and settings
• News report features including key questions (who/what/where/when/why)
• Opportunities to record evidence through writing, photos or performance
• Embedded assessment links to SOLAR/EHCP outcomes

Curriculum and skill development

• Listening and comprehension through shared reading
• Building and expressing opinions verbally or through AAC
• Developing question-and-answer skills in paired role-play
• Structuring ideas for an audience in the form of a news script
• Sequencing events and information logically
• Using punctuation, nouns and action verbs in simple sentences
• Growing confidence in performing and communicating to others
• Empathy, social interaction and discussion about friendships

Intended outcomes

• By the end of this unit, learners will have:
• Engaged with a motivating narrative about difference and belonging
• Understood key story events through sequencing and questioning
• Planned and contributed to a group or individual news report script
• Performed or shared their report using verbal, visual or AAC communication
• Demonstrated measurable progress in communication, literacy and independence