Y5/6 Diary Unit - The Explorer

UKS2 recount writing unit based on The Explorer by Katherine Rundell. 7 lessons with WAGOLL, PowerPoints, grammar focus and diary writing outcome.

This 7-lesson recount writing unit is based on The Explorer by Katherine Rundell and focuses on writing a diary entry from Fred’s perspective.

I created and taught this unit with my Year 5 class, and it is fully resourced and ready to teach. The lessons are carefully sequenced to build pupils’ confidence, moving from grammar practice to independent writing.

What’s included:
-A detailed WAGOLL (model text) accompanied by images to support understanding
-PowerPoint slides for every lesson – completely ready to teach
Sentence openers to support lower attainers
-Clear, grammar-focused lessons (fronted adverbials, embedded clauses, parenthesis)
-Success criteria for pupils to assess their own writing
-Award certificates to celebrate outcomes and engagement

Writing outcome:

By the end of the unit, pupils write a diary entry as Fred, applying:

Fronted adverbials
Embedded clauses
Parenthesis

Teaching sequence:
Explore Fred’s thoughts and feelings (Chapters 1–2)
Analyse a WAGOLL and sequence key events
Build vocabulary and practise sentence structures
Apply grammar skills in structured writing
Complete an independent extended write