Classifying Living Things | Explanation Writing Pack | Year 3/4

This fully resourced two-week explanation writing unit explores the scientific concept of Classifying Living Things. Pupils will learn how scientists sort animals and plants into groups, why classification matters, and how to use classification keys—all while developing their explanation writing skills in a structured, engaging way.

Designed using Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, the unit builds writing fluency and confidence by explicitly modelling features of effective explanation texts, including clear structure, technical vocabulary, and grammar tools such as fronted adverbials, conjunctions, and expanded noun phrases.

This pack includes:

• 10 complete explanation writing lessons with clear objectives and modelling
• A two-page WAGOLL (model text) with teacher annotations
• Over 110 editable teaching slides
• 17 pupil worksheets with scaffolded writing support
• Sentence stems, success criteria, and writing frames
• Grammar focus: sentence structure, adverbials, conjunctions, and paragraphing
• Audio version of the WAGOLL text for accessibility
• Dyslexia-friendly font and layout
• Retrieval tasks, quizzes, and end-of-unit assessment opportunities

Ideal for integrating science and literacy, this unit supports writing across the curriculum and helps pupils master explanation writing while deepening their understanding of classification, habitats, and living things. Use it for full class teaching, small group intervention, or independent assessment tasks.

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

Thank you for visiting The Bitesize Education Shop – I would love for you to become a follower. Bitesize Education followers receive new product information and discounts on any new items!