Hello future novelists, screenwriters and (dare I say it) prize-winning authors! 

You are in the right place if you want to find exciting writing challenges that will help you to become a skilled writer! You have already learned a great deal at school this year and you know many clever writers' tricks that you can use in your writing tasks. We will remind you about these as we work through the writing tasks. We would love to see some of your completed writing pieces at the end of each unit of work so please do email them to us. You will find your next writing task below.

Work hard!

Friday 10th July

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn how to summarise information and write a short explanation.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zv7cf82

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Thursday 9th July

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn how to re-imagine common stories, including Shakespeare's plays.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zx8cf82

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Wednesday 8th July

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn how to analyse Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhw9vwx

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Tuesday 7th July

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are three videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn how to analyse Shakespeare's The Tempest. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zwjdg7h

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Monday 6th July

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are three videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn how to understand texts and unfamiliar words. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zr8cf82

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Friday 3rd July

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn how to summarise information and write a magazine article.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zwc2kty

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Thursday 2nd July

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and four activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn to create a leaflet and use semi-colons.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z98vtrd

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Wednesday 1st July

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are three videos to watch, and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn to understand different registers used in adverts and brochures.

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Tuesday 30th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch, three short clips to help you write a pitch and four activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn to plan and give a presentation. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zk4p7yc

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Monday 29th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are three videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn to use parenthesis when writing instructions.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zcydg7h

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Friday 26th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn to summarise one of Shakespeare's plays.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zphn7yc

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Thursday 25th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are three videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn more about Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zb39vwx

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Wednesday 24th June - National Writing Day

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zw4q4xs

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Tuesday 23rd June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are four videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn how to analyse and perform playscripts.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z69q4xs

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Monday 22nd June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn how to write a comic and use an ellipsis.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zsmhqfr

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Friday 19th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn how to summarise a character and share your opinion. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zfkrn9q

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Thursday 18th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are three videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn to write narrative poems.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zy4csk7

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Wednesday 17th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn to write limericks and clerihews. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zpb3trd

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Tuesday 16th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn to use assonance, onomatopoeia and alliteration in poetry. This is going to give you a head-start for secondary school. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z9wdbqt

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Monday 15th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are three videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn to analyse and perform a poem. This is an extremely useful skill to have because it helps with articulation and boosts your confidence.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zdw83j6

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Friday 12th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. In this lesson you will learn to find information from the text and summarise a character. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z7p6pg8

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Thursday 11th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. This lesson will help you to practice the skills and writing features needed to write a newspaper report. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/znjnv82

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Wednesday 10th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. This lesson will help you to learn how to use commas in your writing. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zdy8qnb

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Tuesday 9th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. This lesson will help you to learn how to use direct and indirect speech. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zmy8qnb

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Monday 8th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. This lesson will help you to learn how to use apostrophes. Apostrophes for contractions are commonly used in informal writing and can make your writing easier to read.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrprkxs

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Friday 5th June

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are threevideos to watch and three activities to complete. This lesson will help you to plan a story and develop your story writing skills, which will help you greatly in secondary school. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zv8dqp3

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Thursday 4th June

The two tasks we have set for you today should take you at least one hour. If you need any help or want to show us your work, please email us on the year group email address. 

Task 1

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We would like you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below. There are two videos to watch and three activities to complete. This lesson will help you to develop your story writing skills which will help you greatly in secondary school. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zm7w7nb

Task 2

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge today using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Wednesday 3rd June

Today your task is to improve your instructions from yesterday's lesson by including particular clever writers' tricks that you may not have used in your writing. Follow the prompts below in each section of your instructions:

1. Title

Your title could be very simple such as 'How to play Monopoly' or you could use the clever writers' trick called 'verbing an object' (like you did when you wrote instructions to dissect a heart earlier this year). An example of this is 'Playing a game of Snakes & Ladders'. Have a go at this trick with your title.

2. Introduction

Write a general sentence to introduce your game and use 'step-by-step' to explain what you are going to do in your writing.

3. List of equipment

Try to add a 2A description here (for example, you will need a large, clear space to set up).

List any optional items that the player might use.

4. Main instructions to play the game

In this section you should include some of the following clever writers' tricks. You can choose which ones you use and where.

* Sequence word, action verb

   (e.g. As soon as you have hit the ball, run to first post).

* With an action, more action

   (e.g. With a steady motion, hit the ball with the golf club).

* As________ly

* Consequence instructions

* (Brackets)

5. How you can be successful

Use the present tense and give the reader some tips to succeed in your chosen game.

If you can, add a picture of your game in your instructions - you can draw it or get it from the internet. Once you finish improving your instructions for your game, email them to your teacher - we would love to see them!

Tuesday 1st June

Today your task is to write some instructions for a children's game. It might be a game you play at home or a game you have played in school. It could be a game you enjoy playing with your friends or siblings. It must NOT be a game you play on the computer. 

Your task is to write a set of precise instructions to explain how to play your favourite game. Remember, the person who will be reading your instructions will never have played this game before so you need to make sure you include all the important steps.

Remember:

* Title of the game

* Equipment needed

* Aim of the game or a general introduction

* Step-by-step instructions

* Points to note or make the reader aware of (for example, make sure you don't spend too much money when playing Monopoly otherwise you might end up being bankrupt)

* A summary of the game and how to be successful

Monday 1st June

Task 1

Today your task is to write a letter to your teacher about your half term holiday. Tell your teacher what you did, what made you happy and how you felt. Tell your teacher about one thing that gave you hope (this could be something you heard on television, a new flower blooming in your garden, new knowledge or a new skill you learned) - these are just some ideas but it could be anything at all that gave you hope this week. 

Your letter should be written in paragraphs - each one about a new topic. In your letter we would like you to 'show off' by using lots of clever writers' tricks that you know. We would like you to choose which tricks you use (this will help your teacher to see which ones you remember and can use well). Remember, you have to be selective and not use too many all at once!

You can email your letter to your teacher. We look forward to reading all about your half-term holiday. 

Task 2

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We want you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z63ny9q

Friday 22nd May

Images are a great stimulus for writing. Using this picture, your task is to complete the activities below:

This image is called 'The Forbidden Tower'.

Question time!

If you were Lucy, would you investigate the tower or go back home?

Why do you think lots of scary stories are set at night?

What’s the difference between a silhouette and a shadow?

Are stars and the moon sources of light? Do they light up the night?

Story starter!

The night was still. Not a breath of wind could be felt. An eerie silence filled the warm evening air, broken only by the sound of the crow’s wings flapping as it returned to its nest with food.

Combined with the ghostly silhouette of the tower and the rickety pathway that led to it, the ominous silence made Lucy nervous. She felt a prickle on the back of her neck as she thought about what she might find inside the tower, and what might be lurking in the darkness around her.

Her heart began to thump inside her chest, seemingly matching the beat of the crow’s wings.

Lucy had always been slightly wary of crows; they had sooty, black wings, piercingly sharp beaks and menacing, staring eyes. The crow had settled down in one of the gnarled branches of a nearby tree. She thought it was watching her. Surely it wasn’t though? Crows didn’t do that. It must have been her imagination.

Plucking up all of her courage, she approached the stairs. They looked rotten and crumbling, as if nobody had set foot on them for years and years. The crow was still staring at her, and had tilted its head to one side as if pointing its beak towards the tower. “What was this crow up to?” she thought to herself.

“Are you trying to warn me about something?” she asked the crow. The crow did not respond, only shuffling its feet slightly on the branch, head still tilted to one side. She frowned. “Of course you’re not trying to warn me about something, you’re just a stupid bird.”

Her eyes left the crow and she ascended the first few steps on the rickety path towards the tower. “It’s just a silly bird.” Lucy muttered to herself under her breath. “Don’t be such a wimp.”

The crow watched as she left, and smiled. A wicked, cruel smile accompanied by a cackling laugh. “Silly, silly girl” it squawked. “I must tell the others she is coming.”

The crow took off into the night…

Can you continue Lucy’s story as she visits the Forbidden Tower? Where was the crow going? What would Lucy find inside?

Sentence challenge!

Can you include a complex sentence containing a main clause and a subordinate clause?

Can you separate the clauses using a comma?

Can you use one of the following conjunctions to link your clauses: but, or, yet, so?

e.g. This had once been a happy place, but now everything had changed.

Thursday 21st May

Images are a great stimulus for writing. Using this picture, your task is to complete the activities below:

This image is called 'A view from a tent'.

Question time!

What is a dare?

Who has dared the boy to camp in the woods

Who is the boy?

Why have they dared him to venture into the woods?

What do you know about him/what can you guess about his character?

Why has he chosen to camp out in the woods?

Has anything happened during the night?

What will happen when he leaves the tent?

Story starter!

Complete the following story - what has happened in this story and what will happen next? You decide!

It had all started out as a dare.

“No-one is brave enough to camp out in the woods all alone” they had all said.

So far, he had proved them wrong…

Sentence challenge!

Can you use your senses to describe what it is like to be in the woods?

What sounds could you hear in the woods?

Are the sights and sounds of the woods different at different times of day?

Wednesday 20th May

Images are a great stimulus for writing. Using this picture, your task is to complete the activities below.

Question time!

Why is Elsa in The Great House?

Why are some rooms ‘out of bounds’ to her?

What time of day do you think it is?

How does Elsa feel as she enters the library?

What is she hoping will happen in the library?

What happened the last time she was here?

Will anyone notice she has gone?

Story starter!

Complete the following story starter - what happens next in this story?

The Great House had many hidden treasures. As a 10 year old girl, many of the rooms were out of bounds for Elsa, but her desire for adventure often got the better of her…

She peeked back over over shoulder to check that the coast was clear. She could hear one of the butlers clattering around in the kitchens at the far end of the hall; no one knew she was there.

She carefully turned the ornate, golden door handle, hearing the mechanism inside clunk, and eased the heavy, wooden door open just enough to slip inside the room.

Immediately, Elsa was bathed in light as it poured down from the circular windows in the ceiling. She could see dust dancing in the beams of sunlight.

With a flutter of excitement inside her chest, she strode confidently into the centre of the room, her shoes click-clacking off the chessboard-like floor. She loved this library – it felt like she was ‘in’ history. How many lords and ladies had graced this great room? It has stood here for centuries, and Elsa doubted that little, if anything, had changed over the years.

Elsa loved reading, but that wasn’t why she had come to the library. She approached one of the golden orbs lined up along the centre of the library floor, and carefully placed her finger on the top. It had worked last time. Would it work again? She longed for the magic to happen, and closed her eyes in silent prayer…

Tuesday 19th May

Using this picture, your task is to complete the activities below.

Question time!

What animal can you see in the picture?

Why has the bird suddenly swooped down towards the ground?

What is the other bird doing?

Do birds enjoy flying?

Would you rather be a bird or a human?

Where do you think this photograph was taken?

Story Starter

Complete the following story starter - what happens next in this story?

Monday 18th May : A lockdown diary

Task 1

Today's writing task is going to be a little bit different to what you have been doing previously. Today you are going to write about YOU!

We would like to know what you have been doing during lockdown and how you have been keeping busy, what new things you have done or learnt or any new hobbies you have taken up. You can also tell us what you are looking forward to doing once lockdown ends and everything is back to normal again. 

We would like you to write up to one side of A4 but not more than this. We want you to use everything you have learnt this year to help you to write your 'lockdown diary'.

Task 2

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We want you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhcc92p

Task 3

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your 10 minute writing challenge using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Welcome to another week of writing activities! This week we are

going to give you some short burst writing tasks that have appeared on past SATs papers a long time ago (before writing SATs were abolished and you lucky kids no longer had to sit a writing SATs test). These short writing tasks will help you to plan your ideas for writing, think of and use some clever writer's tricks that you already know, write concisely and successfully complete a piece of writing in a short space of time. You can spend as long as you want on these tasks but we would recommend a minimum time of 45 minutes per task. As always, if you want to send in your writing for any of the Year 6 teachers to read please email us on the year group email address.

Friday 15th May

Before you start, make some brief notes:

* what the toy is

* who is it for

* what is the name of the toy?

* what are the main features of the toy (list them):

1.

2.

3. 

Remember, this is a persuasive advert so you will need to use persuasive writing techniques when you write the words for the advert. Do you remember these from previous work you have done? Use the following to help you:

* Sensational language

* Adjectives and adverts

* Not only is

* Some; others

* FACTSTORE

Your writing should only be about half a page in length so you will need to be succinct with what you want to say in the advertisement. 

Thursday 14th May

For this task you can use the planning brainstorm above to begin with. After that, you will need to think about each paragraph and what it will be about. Make notes to begin with - this will help you. This task requires you to describe (in detail) everything about this creature - you will need to use many adjectives and adverbs. Think about the writing we did for Macbeth when we described the heath using all of our senses - you could do something similar. The more descriptive your writing is, the more it will engage the reader. You will also need to decide which clever writer's tricks you want to include. Start with a strong introduction to grab the reader's attention. Happy writing!

Wednesday 13th May

You can write about real or imaginary things, or a mixture.

You can use the ideas above or think of your own topics. 

First, make a list of the memories that you will write about. Try to include the following clever writer's tricks:

* Not only is

* P.C. sentence

* 2A sentence

* Verb and verb

Don't forget to send in your writing - we love reading what you have been writing.

Tuesday 12th May

Planning your writing:

* Firstly, you need to decide WHO you will recommend for the Simply the Best award.

* Next, think of your reasons (consider personality, why you think the person is special, examples of what the person has done).

* Think of adjectives to describe this person (nice is a boring adjective - be adventurous).

* Make a list of clever writer's tricks that you could use in your writing.

* Consider how many paragraphs you will have and what each one will be about.

* How will you summarise your writing?

Monday 11th May

Your task is to write a letter to your class to persuade them to support your choice of charity. You may choose your own charity - for example, many people are raising money for the NHS during the Coronavirus crisis or supporting many charities during Ramadan. 

You will need to think about: 

* Words and phrases you will use to persuade

* Certainty phrases

* Reasons for your choice

* FACTSTORE

* Brushing over any opposing views

* Summarising your viewpoint

VE Day

You can find out lots of information about VE day on Newsround:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/48201749

This video explains what VE day was and the events that led to the end of the war:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/history-ks2-ve-day/z7xtmfr

Doors - the world of possibility   

by Jamie Thomas

https://mailchi.mp/talk4writing/home-school-booklets

All of this week's tasks can be found using the link above. Below you find a brief description of the main task for each day but you will find more detailed instructions on the link. When you click on the link you will need to find and click on the Year 6 unit by scrolling down. 

Thursday 7th May

Today your task is to write your own story using all the work you have already completed in this unit. Your story can be as long as you want it to be. You might like to write it from the perspective of the main character or from the narrator's viewpoint. What is on the other side of your magical door? You can write about things that interest you. We look forward to reading your stories. This task will take you at least two hours so you might want to split it over a few sessions or finish it over the bank holiday weekend. You will find all the prompts in the link above. 

Wednesday 6th May

Today your task is to complete activity 9 in which you will be planning your own story. You will need to read through all of the instructions, prompts and look at the examples to help you with this task. Your story should follow a particular structure which is explained in the activity. You already know how to write an all senses description, describe characters and their feelings and use pictures as a stimulus. Today you will use all of these skills to plan your story. Although the activity instructs you to plan a few different portal stories, we only want you to plan one. Once you finish planning one story, if you wish to plan more that is fine too. On Thursday and Friday you will be writing the story you have planned today. This task should take you approximately 90 minutes. 

Tuesday 5th May

Today your task is to complete activity 8 (Through the eyes of a character). This activity will help you with characterisation and, in particular, seeing things from your character's perspective. You will be exploring the feelings of your character. This short piece of writing is a description. Please read the information using the above link and use the prompts to help you with your writing. This activity should take you at least 1 hour.  

Monday 4th May

Today your task is to complete activity 7 - this involves some grammar and sentence work. Firstly, you will learn to write 'pattern of 3' sentences. Next, you will write some sentences using the power of a semi-colons over the use of a conjunction. Your third task is to play around with the position of an adverb in a sentence to see where it is most effective. These three tasks should take you about an hour. 

Friday 1st May

Today your task is to complete your biography of Captain Tom Moore. You need to include the following clever writer's tricks:

* Not only

* Some;others

* Verb and verb

* Then and now

Once you have finished annotate your biography to 'show me' all the clever writer's tricks you have included. Then you may email your biography to:

y6@anglesey.bham.sch.uk

Thursday 30th April

Happy Birthday Captain Tom Moore!

Today it is Captain Tom Moore's 100th birthday! He has raised over £30,000,000 for the NHS , become the oldest artist to top the UK singles chart with his No 1 cover of You'll Never Walk Alone (Liverpool FC, Celtic and Borussia Dortmund fans will be thrilled no doubt) and received his own WWE championship title and belt! Wow! What an achievement! But what else do we know about this incredible World War 2 veteran? 

Today your task is to research the life of Captain Tom Moore and write a biography (just like the biography you wrote about Walter Tull in the autumn term). Your biography will need to have the following:

* Title (no more than 7 words)

* Introduction (2-3 general sentences)

* Significant events paragraph (approx. 5 sentences)

* Other events in the person's life (you will need a new paragraph for each event)

* Claim to fame

* How this person has affected the lives of others

* Summary 

We are REALLY looking forward to reading your biographies. If you want to add an illustration to your writing you may do so. 

Doors - the world of possibility       

by Jamie Thomas

https://mailchi.mp/talk4writing/home-school-booklets

All of this week's tasks can be found using the link above. Below you find a brief description of the main task for each day but you will find more detailed instructions on the link. When you click on the link you will need to find and click on the Year 6 unit by scrolling down. 

Wednesday 29th April

Today we would like you to complete activity 5 and 6. For the first activity you will have to read a poem and write down the answers to some questions about how the poem makes you feel. For activity 6 you will read an extract and answer some questions about the language used to establish mood. You will find more details about these activities on the link above. These two activities should take you at least an hour to complete.

Tuesday 28th April

Doors - the world of possibility is a Year 6 workbook by Jamie Thomas. Writers often get their inspiration from the world around them. Today you will be doing something a little bit different and this activity will inspire your writing later in this unit. 

Today we would like you to complete activity 3 and 4 in the workbook. You will need a pencil and some paper to draw on. Activity 3 asks you to draw - if you prefer, you may use the internet to design your door. Activity 4 is an interesting activity that teaches you all about idioms - I'm looking forward to seeing your work for these two tasks. Because these two tasks will take you some time, there are no other tasks to complete for today.  

Monday 27th April

Doors - the world of possibility is a Year 6 workbook by Jamie Thomas. Read the introduction using the link and think about the questions (you do not need to write down the answers). 

Today we would like you to complete activity 1 and 2 in the workbook. You will need a pen/pencil and some paper to write on (or you could type up your answers on a Word document and save them if you prefer). Activity 1 is very simple and I think you will enjoy doing it - you could even ask an adult about what they would write. For activity 2 you will be writing a poem - it does not have to be long. Try to complete it today using the ideas presented in the workbook. Because activity task will take you some time, there are no other tasks to complete for today.  

Friday 24th April

Task 1

Today we would like you to look at alternative ways of saying something. Below you will find Wright's poem with some alternative words/phrases. Your task is to write out the poem with your chosen word or phrase. After you have done that, we would like you to read the poem out to an adult and explain to them why you chose those particular words/phrases.

Your final task for this unit of work is to complete your own poem. Make sure you check the spellings of words! You can draw around your poem to illustrate some of your ideas. When you have finished, email your poem to us - we can't wait to read it!

Task 2

You have been completing the BBC Bitesize lessons this week. Your task is to revise what you have learned this week.

Task 3

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your fifth 10 minute writing challenge using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Thursday 23rd April

Task 1

Today we are going to think about the structure of the poem and you will try to ensure your poem follows a similar structure to Kit Wright's poem.

You will have noticed that Wright uses repetition in the poem. The repeating phrase ‘I will put in the box’ is used at the beginning of each stanza (this is the word for a verse in a poem). Each stanza in your poem should start with ‘I will put into my box’. The first four stanzas start like this.

These four stanzas are followed by one stanza which describes the box and it starts with ‘My box is’. What is your box made from? It can be made from anything you like – be creative!

The final stanza in Wright’s poem is about how the box will be used and where it will take you on your travels. Where would you like to go in your magic box? Can you describe the place to make it sound really interesting?

Task: look at the prompts in bold writing above and use them to structure your poem correctly.

In tomorrow’s task we are going to look at alternative ways to say the same thing.

Task 2

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We want you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below:

Task 3

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your fourth 10 minute writing challenge using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Wednesday 22nd April 2020

Task 1

How is your poem coming along? Is it better today than it was yesterday? This is what a good writer does - draft, improve, redraft and then perfect! We are sure your poems are going to be superb by the time you finish. 

Today we have some examples written by other Year 6 children and we hope these will inspire and motivate you to make final improvements to your ideas.

Read the examples below and think about the images you get in your mind - how did the poet manage to create those images in the reader's mind? Did they use any particular words?

Have a look at your own ideas - are there any words that could be improved? We have done a lot of work about adventurous vocabulary - can you use a thesaurus to help you to improve the vocabulary choices you have made in your poem? You can use an online thesaurus to help you (link below).

In tomorrow's task you will be looking at the structure of the poem and making sure your poem follows the same pattern. We are REALLY looking forward to reading your poems when they are finished.

https://www.thesaurus.com/

Task 2

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We want you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below:

Task 3

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your third 10 minute writing challenge using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Tuesday 21st April 2020

Task 1

You will now have some initial ideas for the contents of your ‘magic box’ – we can’t wait to read your finished poems and we hope to publish the best ones on the website!

From reading ‘The Magic Box’ you will have realised that this poem is full of marvellous textures, sights and sounds which you would not normally be able to put into a box of any sort, but this is a magic box – anything can and will go in.

You will also have noticed that almost every line has a noun, adjective and verb as well as other details to make the poem come alive. This creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Another example of this is the alliteration used, e.g. the swish of a silk sari on a summer night.

Today we want you to improve and expand your ideas from yesterday’s task. We want you to ensure you have a noun, adjective and verb in almost every idea/line. Here are some prompts to help you:

• Think about the senses: what sort of sights would you put in your magic box? What about sounds, smell and textures (touch)? Or a sound you never want to forget or that makes you feel calm?
• Can you include alliteration?
• Include something you can’t keep (in real life) but as this is a magical box you are allowed to.
• Can you think of something that doesn’t exist/something impossible?
• What sorts of foods would go in? (Not burgers or fish ‘n’ chips from Saqib’s, be more creative!)
• How about colours and weather?
• Dreams and feelings?

In tomorrow’s task you will be able to read some wonderfully descriptive examples from other Year 6 children. Bye for now!

Task 2

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We want you to have a go at today's lesson using the link below:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z4y492p

Task 3

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your second 10 minute writing challenge using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/

Monday 20th April 2020

Task 1

By the end of this unit of work you will have written a poem in the style of the poet Kit Wright. You will have included imagery and many other features of poems, such as figurative language, alliteration and repetition.

Kit Wright's poem 'The Magic Box' is a magical poem full of vivid imagery. We would like you to read this poem and watch Kit Wright perform his poem in the video link below. 

The Magic Box

I will put in the box

the swish of a silk sari on a summer night,
fire from the nostrils of a Chinese dragon,
the tip of a tongue touching a tooth.

I will put in the box

a snowman with a rumbling belly
a sip of the bluest water from Lake Lucerene,
a leaping spark from an electric fish.

I will put into the box

three violet wishes spoken in Gujarati,
the last joke of an ancient uncle,
and the first smile of a baby.

I will put into the box

a fifth season and a black sun,
a cowboy on a broomstick
and a witch on a white horse.

My box is fashioned from ice and gold and steel,
with stars on the lid and secrets in the corners.
Its hinges are the toe joints of dinosaurs.

I shall surf in my box
on the great high-rolling breakers of the wild Atlantic,
then wash ashore on a yellow beach
the colour of the sun.                             by Kit Wright

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/clips/zkpmhyc

What did you like about the poem?

Which words or phrases stood out to you?

List adjectives, adverbs, similes, metaphors or alliteration used by the poet. 

What would YOU put in your own magic box? 

The crunch of hot, buttered toast?

Or perhaps some golden sunlight from the summer sun?

Brainstorm a list of ideas for what might be in your magic box. Be imaginative! There is no wrong answer!

Task 2

BBC Bitesize are adding daily lessons on their website for you to access. We want you to

have a go at today's lesson using the link below:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zbv492p

Task 3

Authorfy is a great site where you can find interactive video masterclasses from REAL authors. They will inspire you to write all kinds of fabulous pieces and the best thing about it is that it only takes 10 minutes! Take your first 10 minute writing challenge using the link below: 

https://authorfy.com/10minutechallenges/