Write about what you love with Dan Freedman

A virtual author visit anchors this teaching sequence, which is built around a lively episode of the Author in Your Classroom podcast with Dan Freedman.

Carefully chosen podcast extracts launch each session, and pupils learn how a football-loving child became a published author through persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to write about what mattered most to him. This narrative reframes writing as purposeful and achievable.

Teaching overview

The sequence taps into pupils’ existing interests to unlock confidence and ideas. First, children identify topics they genuinely care about. They brainstorm passions, from sport to animals to gaming. These become the ‘fuel’ for original narratives. Planning emphasises knowledge, vocabulary, and real-world detail so pupils can write with authority rather than guesswork.

Next, teaching shifts to narrative structure and dramatic tension. Children build plots with clear beginnings, middles, and endings while exploring flawed characters, obstacles, and setbacks that make readers care deeply about what happens next. The concept of a ‘worst possible moment’ drives tension and emotional engagement. Pupils plan forwards and backwards from this crisis point.

The unit then broadens pupils’ writing toolkit. They examine how varied text types deepen narrative: diaries reveal feelings; text messages accelerate action; notes and reports supply extra information.

Finally, pupils draft, share, and refine complete narratives. Teaching highlights dialogue, character voice, and consistent tense, and peer feedback supports purposeful revision and encourages pride in authorship. The unit ends by revisiting Dan Freedman’s advice: start with passion, accept imperfection, and keep writing until the story works.