Literacy
This terms text types will be a historical character portrait and a newspaper article, here you will find some information on what we are doing and how you can support at home:
Year 4 Writing Character Portraits: A Guide for Parents
In Year 4, children develop their creative writing skills by learning how to write detailed character portraits. This helps to enhance their descriptive and narrative skills, key components of the Literacy and Numeracy Framework (LNF) in Wales. A character portrait involves describing a person’s appearance, personality, and actions to create a vivid image for the reader.
Key Learning Objectives
Using Neil Armstrong as an inspiring figure, Year 4 pupils will:
1. Plan and organise their writing by researching key facts.
Pupils will begin by gathering information about Neil Armstrong’s life, including his role as the first person to walk on the Moon, and qualities as an astronaut and leader. They will learn to take notes and organise ideas before writing.
2. Use descriptive language to bring the character to life.
Pupils will explore using adjectives, similes, and metaphors to describe Armstrong’s appearance, character traits, and achievements. For example, they might describe his bravery as “a steady flame in the face of the unknown” or his dedication to space exploration as “relentless, like the pull of gravity.”
3. Structure their writing paragraphs.
They will learn to group their ideas into clear paragraphs. One paragraph might focus on Armstrong’s early life, another on his journey to becoming an astronaut, and another on his historic Moon landing.
4. Vary sentence structure and use punctuation to engage the reader.
Pupils will be encouraged to write a mix of simple and complex sentences. For example, they might write: "Neil Armstrong was not just an astronaut; he was a pioneer, leading humanity into the unknown," commas, semi-colons, and conjunctions to extend their sentences.
5. Edit and improve their work.
After writing their first draft, pupils will practise editing to improve vocabulary, check punctuation, and ensure their ideas flow smoothly. They might replace simple words with more interesting alternatives, such as swapping "brave" for "fearless" or "calm under pressure."
Example of a Character Portrait (Excerpt)
Neil Armstrong was a quiet and thoughtful man, yet behind his calm exterior was an spirit. Born in 1930, his fascination with flying began at a young age. By the time he stepped onto the Moon in 1969, he had become a symbol of human curiosity and courage. His famous words, ‘That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,’ still echo in history. Armstrong's determination and focus were like the stars he reached for – constant and unwavering.
How You Can Support at Home
- Encourage reading: Reading biographies or character-focused stories can inspire child’s own writing.
- Talk about character traits: Discuss the qualities of real-life heroes, such as bravery, dedication, and curiosity, and how they can be described in writing.
- Help with vocabulary: Encourage your child to use new words by describing people they know or famous figures like Neil Armstrong.
By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to write engaging character portraits, applying their understanding of descriptive writing and narrative techniques.
Year 4 Writing a Newspaper Article: A Guide for Parents
In Year 4, children develop important writing skills by learning how to write newspaper articles. This task encourages them to organise thoughts clearly, use factual information, and understand the key features of journalistic writing. Writing in this format helps pupils practice their formal writing style, as outlined in the Literacy and Numeracy Framework (LNF) in Wales.
Key Learning Objectives
In this unit, Year 4 pupils will:
Learn the structure of a newspaper article.
- Pupils will explore the key features of a newspaper article, including a catchy headline, an introductory paragraph (lead), the main body, and a concluding. They will learn that articles should answer the 5 Ws: Who, What, When, Where, Why.
Write clear, factual introductions.
- Pupils will practise writing a concise lead paragraph that summarises the main event or story. For example, if they were writing about Neil Armstrong’s Moon landing, their opening might be: *“On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the Moon, marking a historic moment in human space exploration.”3. Use formal language and factual reporting.
- Pupils will learn to use a formal, unbiased tone appropriate for reporting facts. They will avoid using informal language or opinions, focusing instead on relaying information accurately.
Organise information logically.
- Pupils will practise arranging details in a logical order, using paragraphs to separate different parts of the story. They might write one paragraph about the launch of Apollo 11, another about Armstrong’s first steps on the Moon, and a paragraph on how this event impacted the world.
Include quotes to enhance the article.
- Pupils will learn how to incorporate quotes to make their articles more authentic and engaging. They might include famous quotes like Armstrong’s: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Edit and revise their work.
- After writing their first draft, pupils will review their articles to improve clarity, check for grammar or punctuation mistakes, and ensure that the information flows.
Example of a Newspaper Article (Excerpt)
Historic Moon Landing Stuns the World
July 21, 1969 – Yesterday, Neil Armstrong made history by becoming the first person to set foot on the Moon. In a carefully planned mission, Apollo 11 successfully landed on the lunar surface, where Armstrong and fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin conducted a series of experiments. Armstrong, stepping down from the lunar module, declared, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” The event was live to millions of people around the world, sparking global celebration.
How You Can Support at Home
- Read news articles together: Reading child-friendly news or historical articles can help your child become familiar with the format and style of newspaper writing.
- Discuss current events: Ask your child to summarise news stories they’ve heard, focusing on who, what, when, where, and why.
- Encourage practice: Encourage your child to write their own articles about school events, family, or world news to reinforce these skills.
By the end of this unit, pupils will have developed the ability to write clear, well-structured newspaper articles, applying key skills in formal writing and factual reporting.