Recounts

OBJECTIVES:

To write a recount using a range of adventurous word choices, adverbs and adjectives.

To think about how to engage the reader and keep their attention.

RESOURCES:

Lined paper | Mind Map Completed in Lesson 3

Introduction

Begin today’s lesson by reviewing what you have covered in Lesson 3. Ask your student to look at the mind map they created yesterday. Tell them that student that today they are going to plan a recount.

Main Activity

The first step is to brainstorm. Tell students to think of a memorable trip or holiday they have taken. This could be a day trip to the zoo, or a trip to a foreign country. On blank or lined paper, think of any initial points that you want to include, as you remember them. Do not worry about any order at this stage, these are simply memory joggers. You do not need to write full sentences; notes or even single words will be fine. Keep the list next to you for the whole lesson, adding to it, or changing points, as necessary. Some points to include might be:

Where did you go?
What sort of accommodation did you stay in?
Who went with you?
What kinds of trips or visits did you go on during the holiday?
Why was it your favourite holiday?

Try to write down as many descriptive words (adverbs or adjectives) as you can about the things that you experienced. Think of your senses to help you – what did you see, hear, smell, feel, taste? Once you have remembered as many interesting facts as you can about your holiday, write numbers beside each point, to put them in chronological order. Next, ask them to pick three events to focus on. Explain if they tried to include absolutely everything, they might end up with a book rather than five paragraphs!

Remind your student that every recount must include the following:

First person because it happened to you!
Use the past tense because it has already happened.
Recounts are written in the order in which they happened. This is called chronological order.
Use adverbs such as: firstly, next, then and finally.
Use descriptive words that will make it seem like your reader is there with you. Focus on the most exciting parts.
An introduction – tell us who, what, when, where and why
Body paragraphs – focusing on the details
Conclusion – how it ends.

Once your student has selected three events to focus on, ask them to begin planning using the Recount Plan.

COMPLETE - Recount Plan

Spelling

Use the Spelling Frame website to practise this week's spellings. Choose Match The Wall Spelling Game. Allow your student to work through each of the words. There may be other words they have not been learning. Students should try their best with the unknown words.

PRACTISE - Spelling Frame