Lesson Plan: Writing a Personal Recount

Overview

This English lesson plan is designed for Year 4 students in New Zealand, following the guidelines and standards of the New Zealand Curriculum for English. The focus of the lesson is on writing a personal recount, a type of writing that reflects personal experiences. This lesson will introduce students to the structure and language features of personal recounts.

Curriculum Reference

This lesson adheres to the English learning area of the New Zealand Curriculum at Level 2, focusing on the strand of "Speaking, Writing, and Presenting." It aims at enhancing students' ability to write effectively for different purposes and audiences.

Curriculum Level: Level 2
Strand: Speaking, Writing, and Presenting
Achievement Objective: Express personal ideas and experiences clearly.
Link to Curriculum: NZ Curriculum - English

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand what a personal recount is.
2. Identify the structure and language features typical of personal recounts.
3. Write a personal recount about a specific event from their own life.

Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart paper with examples of personal recounts
• Writing notebooks or paper for each student
• Pencils and erasers
• Personal recount worksheet or checklist

Lesson Details

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Activity: Start the class with a discussion on personal experiences. Ask a few students to share a memorable event from the past week. Analyse why these events were memorable.
2. Explanation: Introduce the concept of a personal recount by explaining that it is a way of sharing personal experiences through writing that involves describing events and emotions.
3. Visual Aid: Show examples of personal recounts on chart papers. Discuss the language used and the structure (Introduction, Events in Sequence, Personal Reflection).

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Guided Writing: Divide the students into small groups and ask them to brainstorm an event they might want to write about. Provide a personal recount worksheet that includes prompts for setting the scene, describing events, and reflecting on the experience.
2. Individual Writing Exercise: Students begin writing their own personal recounts, using their worksheets as guides. Encourage them to think about the introduction, events in chronological order, and a personal reflection at the end.
3. Peer Review: Allow students to swap their drafts with a classmate to provide feedback based on a simple checklist: clear sequence of events, use of descriptive language, and a personal reflection included.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Sharing: Invite a few students to read their recounts aloud to the class.
2. Reflection and Feedback: Discuss what was effective in the recounts and what could be improved. Highlight good use of descriptive language and clear sequencing.
3. Homework Assignment: Students complete their recounts for homework, incorporating feedback received from their peers and teacher.

Evaluation

• Assess students’ final written recounts to see if they can structure their writing as per the format of a personal recount.
• Evaluate the use of descriptive language and personal reflection in their recount writing.

Additional Notes

• Support materials like dictionaries or thesaurus can be used to facilitate richer vocabulary.
• Encourage students to incorporate Te Reo Māori phrases if relevant, adhering to bi-cultural competencies outlined in the New Zealand Curriculum.

Curriculum standards for English at this level and more resources for teaching writing can be explored further here.

This lesson plan is critical in building foundational skills in written expression, focusing on personal experiences, crucial for broader learning areas across the New Zealand Curriculum.