Anglo-Saxon Fact Files

Lesson 1: Introduction to Fact Files

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Understand the purpose and structure of a fact file.
Identify key features such as headings, subheadings, and bullet points.
Analyse examples of fact files to prepare for creating our own.

National Curriculum Links

English - Year 3

Reading – Comprehension:
- Identify main ideas drawn from more than one paragraph and summarise these (NC Programmes of Study: Reading, Year 3)
Writing – Transcription & Composition:
- Use headings and subheadings to organise ideas (NC Programmes of Study: Writing, Year 3)
- Use bullet points to summarise information clearly (NC Programmes of Study: Writing, Year 3)
Spoken Language:
- Participate in discussions, asking relevant questions to improve understanding (NC Spoken Language, Year 3)

Resources Needed

Projector or interactive whiteboard
Printed examples of fact files (e.g., on animals, historical figures)
Blank Fact File Template worksheet
Highlighter pens/felt tips
Sticky notes
Whiteboards and markers (group activity)
Lined exercise books

Lesson Structure (60 minutes)

Time	Activity	Description
0-10 mins	Starter: Think-Pair-Share	Ask: "What do you already know about fact files?" Students think individually, then share in pairs, finally volunteers share with the class. Teacher lists ideas on whiteboard to activate prior knowledge.
10-20 mins	Explore Examples: Whole Class Guided Reading	Show 2-3 fact files (unrelated to Anglo-Saxons) on the board. Model identifying headings, subheadings, bullet points, and highlight key facts. Ask students to come up and underline or write headings on sticky notes. Discuss purpose: to inform quickly and clearly.
20-30 mins	Group Sorting Activity – Features of a Fact File	Divide class into 8 groups of 4. Give each group a set of sentence strips or cards containing headings, bullet points, paragraphs, questions, adverts (some fact file features, some not). Groups sort into "Fact File Features" and "Not Fact File Features" on their whiteboards. Groups explain their reasoning.
30-40 mins	Explicit Teaching: Structure and Purpose	Teacher explains the structure of a fact file: title, introduction, headings, subheadings, bullet points, images (if relevant). Highlight difference between headings and subheadings. Discuss why this structure helps readers find information quickly.
40-50 mins	Paired Activity: Identify Features	Use a new fact file example (printed worksheet). In pairs, students highlight headings, subheadings, bullet points in different colours. Pairs write their own 2-3 sentence explanation of what they think the fact file’s purpose is. Share responses with class.
50-60 mins	Plenary + Assessment: Reflect and Write	On mini-whiteboards, students write one sentence explaining what a fact file is and one example of a feature. Teacher collects a few whiteboards to assess understanding. Explain next lesson’s focus: researching Anglo-Saxon facts to include in fact files.

Success Criteria

I can explain what a fact file is and why people use them.
I can identify headings, subheadings, and bullet points in a fact file.
I can explain how these features help organise information clearly.
I can work with others to sort and discuss fact file features.

Differentiation

Learner Group	Strategies
Lower Ability / SEN	Provide highlighted or pre-labelled fact files; sentence starters for explanations; allow verbal responses over written. Use visual aids and graphic organisers.
EAL (English as Additional Language)	Provide bilingual word banks (headings, subheadings, bullet points) and simplified fact files; model vocabulary explicitly; pair with supportive peers.
Higher Ability	Challenge to compare fact files with other text types (e.g., adverts or reports) and explain differences in structure and purpose. Encourage them to add images or captions.

Extension Activity (for early finishers or advanced learners)

Create a mini fact file about their favourite animal/person using the key features learnt.
Research and add an additional subheading to one of the fact files shown, with bullet-point facts.
Draw and label an image related to the fact file and explain how images help readers understand the text.

Reflection for Teachers

Note which students could confidently identify fact file features and those who struggled.
Review mini-whiteboard responses to assess understanding.
Plan to revisit fact file structure next lesson with Anglo-Saxon content to consolidate learning.

This lesson combines reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills as recommended for Year 3 English and sets a strong foundation for a themed unit linking history and literacy, fully aligned with the National Curriculum for England. The hands-on group work and active use of colour and sorting engages children physically and cognitively to enhance retention of the organisational features of fact files.

Teaching Instructions