Lesson Planning
Non-fiction
English Year 1/2 Spring Information Texts
Minibeasts
Enter the world of minibeasts and explore the features of a non-fiction text. Learn how to use noun phrases in descriptive writing, use bullet points to make a list of equipment needed for a minibeast hunt and create your own information books about hidden minibeasts.
The planning and resource documents for each session in this English block are free to all users.
Unit 1 Core: the language and layout features of information texts
(suggested as 5 days)
SPaG: Grammar and Punctuation
There is no spelling and grammar presentation for this unit.
You Will Need
Essential Text
The National Trust Out and About Minibeast Explorer by Robyn Swift and Hannah Alice
Optional Texts
Any non-fiction and fiction texts about minibeasts.
Weblinks
Better Planet Education - What is a minibeast?
BBC Bitesize Article 'What are minibeasts?'
Unit 2 SPaG: Descriptive writing – adjectives, prepositions and adverbs
(suggested as 3 days)
Lesson Planning
SPaG: Grammar and Punctuation
You Will Need
Essential Text
All texts are in resources.
Weblink
BBC Bitesize Article 'What are minibeasts?'
CBeebies Minibeast Adventures with Jess - Earwigs
Unit 3 SPaG: Using commas to separate items in a list; using an apostrophe to indicate possession
(suggested as 2 days)
Lesson Planning
SPaG: Grammar and Punctuation
There is no spelling and grammar presentation for this unit.
You Will Need
Essential Texts
All texts are in resources.
Weblinks
CBeebies Minibeast Adventures with Jess - Water Boatmen
CBeebies Minibeast Adventures with Jess - Spiders
Unit 4 Composition: writing an information book about a hidden minibeast; writing a book review
(suggested as 5 days)
Lesson Planning
Group Readers
Bugs
This is a superbly striking non-fiction tale about bugs! The short narrative gives a structure and the pictures will stimulate so that this book always proves a real winner. Children will read it repeatedly especially as it suits very early readers.
You Will Need
Essential Text
The National Trust Out and About Minibeast Explorer by Robyn Swift and Hannah Alice
Group Reader
Bugs by Ruth Merttens and Jackie Abey (Hamilton Group Reader)