Writing Unit 5: Cliffhanger Narrative by De and Danielle

About this teaching resource

Writing Unit 5: Cliffhanger Narrative by De and Danielle

Planning and Critical Features Pack - Year 6

Developed by Danielle Monique and De Ludlum, Fairview Primary School

This five-week writing unit immerses Year 6 students in the atmospheric, suspense-driven world of Gary Crew, using his picture books as the foundation for crafting original cliff-hanger narratives. Students read like writers — analysing how Crew builds tension, deploys symbolism, and leaves readers gripping the edge of their seats — before applying those same techniques to their own stories.

The unit moves students through purposeful planning using Plot in a Box, character and setting development, and a full drafting, editing, and revision cycle that includes self, peer, and teacher editing stages. Mini lessons focus on show, don't tell, personification, sensory imagery, and the art of the cliff-hanger ending.

Developed by De Ludlum and Danielle Monique as part of their Year 6 writing programme at Fairview Primary School, and featured in the Teacher's Toolkit for Literacy podcast series.

Listen to Podcast 1: Purposeful Planning here

Read the Blog: Purposeful Planning here