Final Story Showcase
Overview
Unit Title: Cinderella: A New Perspective
*Lesson 12 of 12: Redrafting and Presenting – Final Touches
Year Group: Year 3
Class Size: 30 pupils
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: English
Curriculum Link:
National Curriculum in England – English – Lower Key Stage 2 (Year 3 and Year 4):
- Write for a range of real purposes and audiences.
- Organise paragraphs around a theme.
- Use the drafting, editing and evaluating process.
- Read out loud writing with intonation to make the meaning clear.
Learning Objectives (OLI)
Success Criteria (SC)
- ✅ I can redraft my Cinderella story with improvements.
- ✅ I can present my story confidently to the class.
- ✅ I can reflect on my learning journey from the unit.
Mindset Focus
Growth Mindset Prompt:
“We are authors. Great writing takes revisiting, refining, and reflecting!”
Prior Knowledge
Students have:
- Studied the traditional and alternative versions of Cinderella.
- Planned and written their own new perspective of the story.
- Practised narration, dialogue, character development, and structure.
- Peer-assessed and self-assessed earlier drafts.
Resources Required
- Completed story drafts (from Lesson 11)
- “Writer’s Check Cards” (editing prompts on laminated cards: spelling, punctuation, up-levelling vocabulary, check tense consistency, etc.)
- Redrafting paper or writing books
- Pens and editing pencils
- Star Lanyard or Author’s Chair (for presentation)
- Reflective Journals (from throughout the unit)
- Stickers for peer feedback and ‘Star Author’ awards
- Timer, visualiser or large storybook chair for class focus
Lesson Outline (60 mins)
⏱️ Starter (10 mins): "Step Back in Time"
Aim: Warm-up and activate story immersion.
- Teacher plays soft instrumental fairy-tale music and dims the lights.
- Display: “Final Chapter: Our Authors Take the Stage!”
- Children close eyes while recalling the journey they have taken with their Cinderella-inspired stories.
- Guided visualisation: “Think of your main character. What is their voice like? What challenge did they face? What makes your version uniquely yours?”
- Turn and talk: Children share their character’s challenge with a partner.
Purpose: Builds confidence and emotional storytelling investment before redrafting and presenting.
🖊️ Main Task Part 1 (20 mins): Redraft with a Purpose
🎯 Focus: I can redraft my Cinderella story with improvements.
- Teacher reminds pupils of editing goals using the Writer’s Check Cards.
- Mini-lesson (4 mins): Modelling a meaning-based redraft on the board. Focus on improving a sentence or adding depth to character emotion.
- Pupils redraft their stories quietly, independently.
- Peer support rings (Optional: groups of 3 for those requiring guidance).
- LSA works with target writers (SEND/EAL) to scaffold edits.
- Redeployment of self-check stations (Dictionary, Thesaurus Corner and “Show Not Tell” adjective posters).
💬 Teacher Tip: Ask, “Have you painted pictures with words?” or “Does your character feel real?”
📢 Main Task Part 2 (20 mins): Present to the Class
🎯 Focus: I can present my story to the class.
- Designated Author’s Chair at the front of the room (decorated to feel special).
- Children take turns to read a 1-minute extract from their final Cinderella narrative.
- Use of a timer to help with pacing.
- Peers give 1 x Star (What went well) and 1 x Step (suggestion for future narration or writing) using sticky notes or stickers.
🎤 Confident readers go first, building classroom bravery culture.
📚 Pupils reluctant to present may elect a partner to read on their behalf.
✅ Teacher’s Praise Notes: Write a ‘Star Author of the Day’ certificate to give out at the end. Optional tea party or ‘Author’s Table’ lunch as a reward.
🧠 Plenary (10 mins): Reflect and Connect
🎯 Focus: I can reflect on my learning throughout the unit.
Activity: “Through the Glass Slipper” – My Writing Journey
- Students open their Reflective Journals or a fresh A4 template page.
- Respond to three guided prompts:
- What was my favourite writing moment in this unit?
- What challenge did I overcome as a writer?
- What do I want to do next as an author?
Children may draw a symbol that represents their journey (e.g. pen sword, glass boot, rewritten pumpkin).
- End with 2-3 confident pupils reading their reflections aloud.
Assessment Opportunities
- Informal assessment during redrafting: Teacher conferencing with selected students.
- Presentation assessment: Evaluate voice, clarity, storytelling expression.
- Final narratives can be collected for teacher-level summative assessment using a Year 3 narrative writing rubric.
- Journal reflections showcase overall pupil growth and engagement with writing process.
Differentiation & Inclusion
| Group/Need | Strategy |
|---|
| EAL/Lower Attainers | Sentence stems for reflection. Teacher scribes thoughts. Use of visuals. |
| SEND (Writing) | Word banks, "Postcard Story" length option, use of computer to type. |
| Higher Attainers | Extension: Present with props or supporting illustrations. Showcase multiple narrators. |
Extension / Home Challenge
Optional Parent Showcase
Invite parents/carers in next week to a “Mini Author Festival” with published printed stories and student reflections displayed. Children can act as guides and read aloud to visitors.
Teacher Self-Reflection (Post-Lesson)
- Which types of reflections were most honest or insightful?
- Was there evidence of personal voice throughout the redrafted pieces?
- How can their feedback help reframe next term’s writing focus?
Wow Factor Bonus Idea 💡
Magic Quill Ceremony: Each child receives a glitter-dipped feather or “author’s pencil” and is dubbed “Storyteller of the Realm” by the teacher. Helps cement the pride of writing and create a joyful moment they’ll take home.
Key Vocabulary
- Reflect
- Redraft
- Narrator
- Fiction
- Perspective
- Characterisation
- Sequence
- Atmosphere
Connections to Wider Curriculum
- Art: Designs of new character versions could be displayed alongside writing.
- Drama: Hot seat activities and improvisation in earlier lessons build vocal confidence.
- PSHE: Empathy through new perspectives; overcoming challenges; expressing emotions.
End of Unit Outcome
Celebrate the growth from storytelling consumers into empowered, diverse storytellers — helping pupils understand that they can change traditional narratives with their own voice and creativity.