Suspense Writing Unit (4 Weeks) – Alma (Literacy Shed) – UKS2 (Year 5/6)
This engaging 4-week writing unit is designed for Upper Key Stage 2 and centres around the powerful Literacy Shed animation Alma. The sequence immerses pupils in suspense writing, gradually building the skills needed to write with control, tension and impact.
What’s Included:

Fully sequenced, day-by-day lesson slides with engaging visuals to hook and sustain interest
Unit overview and clear planning sequence
WAGOLLs (What A Good One Looks Like) reflecting expected Year 6 standards
Pupil planning templates to support structure and independence
Adapted word mats for Year 5, Year 6 and SEND learners

Teaching Sequence:
The unit follows a clear, progressive structure:

Hook lesson to engage and immerse pupils in the mystery of Alma
Boxed-up success criteria to deconstruct effective suspense writing
Visualising and structuring lessons to support idea generation and organisation
Explicit skills teaching, including:

Fronted adverbials
Parenthesis
Multi-clause sentences for effect
Subordinating clauses for depth and control
Figurative language to build tension and atmosphere

All skills are taught using the Gradual Release Model (I do, We do, You do) to ensure clear modelling, supported practice and increasing independence.

Application opportunities – two extended writing outcomes where pupils apply taught skills (flexible timing depending on class readiness)

Further Writing Development:

Planning, editing and revising lessons embedded within the unit
A final extended writing outcome: pupils plan and write a sequel to Alma, drawing on all taught skills

Why this resource?

Designed for progression and mastery across UKS2
Balances explicit teaching with creative application
Provides scaffolded support for a range of learners, including SEND adaptations
Encourages independence, authorial voice and technical accuracy

Perfect for teachers looking for a ready-to-teach, high-quality suspense writing unit that captivates pupils and builds confidence in writing.