Writing - Unit Two: Detective Fiction

Detective Fiction

The Speckled Band -

A Sherlock Homes Mystery

by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 

In this unit we will be learning about detective fiction - what makes a great mystery story and an unforgetable detective.

The focus of our learning will be The Speckled Band by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - one of his classic detective stories featuring Sherlock Holmes.  We will be learning about characters (specifically what makes a memorable detective and sidekick), plot, techniques used by authors to create specific effects, and developing and enriching vocabulary (with a specific focus on crime fiction vocabulary).

Our writing will include: writing in character, diaries, non-chronological report, writing dialogue (direct and reported speech), and creating plot.

Children will be learning creatively using drama techniques, annotation of text and the use of images/imagery.

Development and enrichment of vocabulary will be a key objective of this unit of learning - using a classic text to access quality language in order to develop understanding of older texts from English Literature and enhance independent writing.

The unit outcome will be a extended detective story.