Year 5/6 Suspense Writing Unit Francis (Lesson-by-Lesson Resources)
A fully resourced, engaging suspense writing unit based on the Literacy Shed Francis video clip, designed for Upper Year 5/6. This carefully structured sequence supports pupils in developing high-quality narrative writing through explicit teaching, modeling, and purposeful practice.
What is included:
A comprehensive Power Point presentation with day-to-day lesson slides, ready to teach
Clear teaching sequence with teacher modeling, guided practice and independent writing opportunities in every lesson
Model texts to expose pupils to high-quality writing
Built-in grammar focus in every lesson, including:

• Multi-clause sentences
• Personification
• Using a colon
• Show, not tell
• Prepositions
• Relative clauses
• Planning for a sequel

Vocabulary development and word mats to support pupils
Opportunities for discussion, reading and drama to deepen understanding

Unit focus:
This unit focuses on building suspense and atmosphere, helping pupils to:
Develop rich, engaging settings and tension
Use a range of sentence structures effectively
Apply grammar skills in context
Write with control, creativity, and purpose

Why teachers love this unit:

• Fully planned and ready to use saves valuable preparation time
• Clear structure with strong progression of skills
• High-quality modeling supports all learners
• Ideal for mixed-ability and mixed Year 5/6 classes
• Engaging stimulus that inspires excellent writing outcomes
• Daily dictation sentence using the Y5/6 Statutory spelling list.

Outcome:
By the end of the unit, pupils will produce a polished suspense narrative inspired by Francis, with the opportunity to plan a sequel, demonstrating strong control of language, grammar, and narrative techniques.

Editable Planning Sequence included ready to adapt.