Year 6 Narrative Writing Unit - The Lighthouse

Year 6 Writing Unit: The Lighthouse (Literacy Shed) – 4-Week Narrative Unit
This engaging and fully resourced Year 6 writing unit is built around the powerful Literacy Shed video stimulus The Lighthouse. Designed as a 4-week sequence (easily adaptable or condensed), this unit develops key grammar, composition and authorial skills through a structured, step-by-step approach.
Each key skill is explicitly taught and follows a clear progression of teacher modelling, guided practice and independent application, ensuring pupils build confidence and mastery before applying their learning in short, purposeful writing tasks.
Skills Covered:

Fronted adverbials for cohesion and impact
Relative clauses for added detail
Colon for dramatic effect
Analysing authorial purpose and effect
Adapting language for contrasting impacts

What’s Included:

Detailed lesson slides with clear teaching sequences
Modelled writing examples reflecting Year 6 expectations
Scaffolded activities and short burst writing tasks
Vocabulary word mats to support and stretch pupils
Planning templates to support independent writing
A dedicated editing and revising lesson to refine final outcomes

Pupils are also given the opportunity to apply their skills through an engaging extended writing outcome, including a diary entry, allowing them to write from a character’s perspective and deepen their understanding of viewpoint and emotion.
This unit supports pupils in crafting high-quality narrative writing, encouraging them to think deeply about language choices and their impact on the reader. It is ideal for building independence and preparing pupils for end-of-key-stage expectations.

Perfect for Year 6 teachers looking for a structured, high-quality and engaging writing unit with clear progression and strong outcomes.

Editable Planning Sequence Overview included - ready to adapt.