Fact File Templates

Overview

Year Group: 3
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 30 students
Unit: Anglo-Saxon Fact Files (Lesson 5 of 7)
National Curriculum Links:

• English (Year 3):
  • Writing - composition: Plan writing by discussing and recording ideas (English PoS 3.4)
  • Writing - transcription: Use headings and subheadings to aid presentation (English PoS 3.6)
  • Reading - comprehension: Retrieve and record information from non-fiction texts (English PoS 3.2)
• History: Knowledge about Britain’s past (Anglo-Saxons) contextualises writing.

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WALT

We are learning to design and plan a clear fact file template that organises information about Anglo-Saxon life using appropriate headings and layouts.

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Success Criteria

• I can identify key sections to include in an Anglo-Saxon fact file (e.g., Daily Life, Society, Culture).
• I can draft clear and relevant headings for each section.
• I can create a logical layout for presenting information.
• I can explain why organising information under headings helps the reader.

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Resources

• Examples of existing fact files (paper/digital).
• Paper laminated templates with blank boxes (A3 size) for layout sketches.
• Colour pencils, rulers, markers.
• Whiteboard and pens.
• Interactive whiteboard for group modelling.
• Printed keyword banks (e.g., Anglo-Saxon vocabulary).
• ‘Design checklist’ handouts.

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Lesson Outline

1. Starter (10 minutes)

Activity: Interactive Discussion and Analysis

• Show a range of fact files/examples about different topics, including one Anglo-Saxon sample completed earlier in the unit.
• Elicit from pupils: What do you notice about how these fact files are organised? What headings or sections are used?
• Pose the key question: “What headings might we need to include in our Anglo-Saxon fact files to help our reader understand important information quickly?”
• Record suggestions on the whiteboard (likely headings: Daily Life, Society, Culture, Food, Homes, Jobs, Clothes, Beliefs).

National Curriculum focus: Retrieval of factual information from non-fiction texts.

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2. Main (40 minutes)

a) Modelling the Template Design (10 minutes)

• Teacher models designing a fact file template on the interactive whiteboard.
• Start with deciding main sections/headings based on previous discussion.
• Demonstrate how to organise sections on a page for clarity (e.g., boxes or columns for each heading).
• Show how to draft headings — ensure they are clear, concise, and capitalised appropriately.
• Discuss the importance of visuals (e.g., images, icons) and space for notes beneath headings.

b) Group Design Task (20 minutes)

• Students arranged in groups of 3-4 around an A3 laminated ‘blank layout’ template.
• Using rulers and colour pencils, groups collaboratively decide on 3-5 headings for their fact file template focusing on Anglo-Saxon themes.
• Each group drafts their headings and sketches rough layout ideas, including where images or bullet points might go.
• Teacher circulates offering scaffolding questions:
  • "Why did you choose this heading?"
  • "How will your layout help someone find information easily?"
• Pupils use the design checklist to self-assess as they work.

c) Sharing and Feedback (10 minutes)

• Volunteer groups present their template ideas briefly (2-3 minutes each).
• Class provides positive feedback and suggests one improvement per group.
• Teacher reinforces the importance of clear headings and logical organisation.

National Curriculum focus:

• Writing - composition: planning and organising writing with headings and subheadings.
• Speaking and listening: presenting ideas clearly.

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3. Plenary (10 minutes)

Reflection and Individual Task:

• Each pupil writes a short paragraph in their books answering: “Why is it important to organise a fact file into clear sections?”
• Teacher reviews responses and provides verbal feedback to consolidate learning.

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Differentiation

Learner Type	Strategies
SEN / Lower Ability	Use sentence starters and sample headings; group support in design task; labelled templates.
EAL Learners	Provide keyword banks with pictures and Anglo-Saxon context words; use bilingual paired work where possible.
Advanced Learners	Encourage inclusion of subheadings and bullet points; add a section for Anglo-Saxon inventions or notable figures.

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Extension Activities

• Create fact file section icons or border designs to decorate their templates.
• Write a short example fact file paragraph under one heading using researched information from previous lessons.
• Design a digital fact file template using simple computer software or an app (if resources allow).

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation of group work: engagement and ability to contribute ideas for headings and layout.
• Assess draft templates against success criteria using the design checklist.
• Evaluate individual plenary paragraphs for understanding of information organisation.

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Teacher Notes

• Emphasise the link between clear organisation and reader comprehension.
• Encourage pupils to think about audience—how would someone unfamiliar with Anglo-Saxons find information?
• Use praise and constructive feedback to build confidence in planning skills.

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This lesson combines history knowledge reinforcement with practical English composition skills, aligned closely with the Year 3 National Curriculum objectives in England. It also nurtures creativity and collaboration to engage young learners effectively.