Talk for Writing – The Lost Toy Narrative Unit (Early Years / Primary 1)
A structured 3–4 week Talk for Writing storytelling and narrative unit designed for Early Years and Primary 1 learners. Perfect for developing oral storytelling, sequencing and early writing skills through a familiar and engaging theme.
⭐ FULL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Looking for an engaging and easy-to-follow Talk for Writing narrative unit for Early Years or Primary 1?
The Lost Toy is a fully structured 3–4 week storytelling and writing unit designed to support young learners in developing confidence in oral storytelling, sequencing and early writing.
Using a familiar and relatable theme, children explore story structure through play, role play, discussion and creative storytelling.
This resource follows the Talk for Writing teaching approach:
✔ Imitation
✔ Exploration
✔ Supported Innovation
✔ Independent Application
Children begin by learning and retelling a simple story before creating their own imaginative versions.
⭐ WHAT THIS RESOURCE INCLUDES
✅ Complete 3–4 week teaching unit
✅ Clear Talk for Writing teaching sequence
✅ Weekly lesson focus and activity ideas
✅ Story hook and engagement ideas
✅ Story mapping guidance
✅ Vocabulary development support
✅ Innovation planning suggestions
✅ Continuous provision and play-based learning links
✅ Differentiation ideas
✅ Assessment opportunities
⭐ TEACHING SEQUENCE OVERVIEW
Week 1 – Imitation Stage
Children learn and retell the story using props, actions and story maps while building vocabulary and confidence.
Week 2 – Exploration Stage
Children explore characters, emotions, story structure and language patterns.
Week 3 – Supported Innovation Stage
Children adapt story elements and begin creating their own versions with teacher support.
Week 4 – Independent Application Stage
Children create and perform their own stories using drawing, storytelling and early writing.
⭐ LEARNING BENEFITS
This unit helps children:
• Develop storytelling confidence
• Understand simple story structure
• Build vocabulary through oral language
• Practise sequencing events
• Create original story ideas
• Develop early writing skills
⭐ PERFECT FOR
✔ Early Years classrooms
✔ Primary 1 classrooms
✔ Play-based learning environments
✔ Talk for Writing teaching
✔ Continuous provision literacy areas
⭐ DIFFERENTIATION INCLUDED
Support:
• Oral storytelling scaffolds
• Drawing and sequencing prompts
• Sentence starters
Challenge:
• Expanding story ideas
• Adding new events
• Extending vocabulary
⭐ ASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Teachers can observe:
• Oral storytelling skills
• Understanding of story sequencing
• Vocabulary development
• Engagement in imaginative play
• Early writing confidence
⭐ IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This resource is a teacher planning pack.
No worksheets are included.
⭐ FILE FORMAT
PDF Digital Download
⭐ LICENCE
Single classroom use only.
Not for redistribution or resale.
⭐ PRICE
👉 £4.50
Talk for Writing
Early Years writing
Primary 1 literacy
Storytelling unit
Narrative writing
EYFS literacy
KS1 writing
Play based literacy
Story sequencing
Creative writing planning
