Resource pack including PPT and PDF files
KS2
Years 3-6
In this teaching sequence, a virtual visit from bestselling author Lisa Thompson helps pupils collect ideas for compelling characters.
Built around an episode of the Author in Your Classroom podcast, this full-resourced unit focuses on helping pupils collect ideas and develop compelling characters for their own stories.
The unit uses The Graveyard Riddle as inspiration to demystify the creative process. Children learn how professional authors shape memorable characters and build mystery through detail and dialogue.
What’s included
- A ready-to-use PowerPoint
- An extract from The Graveyard Riddle
- Three structured planning sheets
- Set of working wall images and author quotes
Together, these resources support a clear teaching sequence and provide visual prompts that keep ideas visible and evolving throughout the unit.
How to use this resource
Across five carefully sequenced sessions, pupils listen to selected extracts from the podcast and respond through discussion, planning and writing.
They begin by collecting random, interesting ideas for characters, before shaping these into an original character. Children analyse how Lisa Thompson introduces characters, explore how dialogue reveals personality, and rehearse their own dialogue through talk and role play.
The unit culminates in pupils writing and editing a short narrative scene that includes correctly punctuated and purposeful speech.
Learning outcomes
Pupils learn practical strategies for generating character ideas, understand how authors use dialogue to convey information, and apply these techniques in their own narrative writing. The sequence supports spoken language, planning, drafting and editing skills, with clear progression and opportunities for peer discussion.
How to listen
Search for Author In Your Classroom wherever you get your podcasts. A free resource pack is available with every episode.
Subscribe to hear more brilliant children’s authors share insider tips that help pupils write with confidence, purpose and flair.
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