Worksheet – Lesson 2: Recount Writing
Learning Intention:
We are learning to write a clear recount using:
Past tense verbs
Time connectives
Clear paragraph structure
Success Criteria:
✔ I use past tense correctly
✔ I organise my writing into paragraphs
✔ I use time words (first, next, then, finally)
✔ My recount is clear and easy to follow
Part 1: What is a Recount?
A recount retells something that already happened.
It is written in past tense.
It tells events in time order.
Example Recount
"Last Saturday, I went to the beach with my cousins. First, we set up our towels and played volleyball. Then we went swimming in the cold water. After that, we had fish and chips for lunch. Finally, we watched the sunset before going home. I felt tired but happy after such a fun day."
Questions
What tense is used in this recount? __________________
Circle the time connectives in the example.
How many paragraphs are there? __________________
Part 2: Past Tense Practice
Change these verbs into the past tense:
| Present | Past |
|---|---|
| go | __________ |
| eat | __________ |
| see | __________ |
| play | __________ |
| make | __________ |
| help | __________ |
Now rewrite the sentences in past tense:
Yesterday I go to the park.
→ __________________________________________We play basketball after school.
→ __________________________________________My family have dinner together.
→ __________________________________________
Part 3: Time Connectives
Time connectives help organise your recount.
Examples:
First
Next
Then
After that
Finally
Later
Add time connectives to this paragraph:
"I woke up early. I got dressed. I caught the bus. I arrived at school."
Rewrite the paragraph with time connectives:
Part 4: Paragraph Structure
A recount usually has:
Paragraph 1 – Introduction
When did it happen?
Where were you?
Who was there?
Paragraph 2 – Events
What happened?
What happened next?
Paragraph 3 – Conclusion
How did you feel?
What did you learn or think?
Part 5: Editing Practice
Read this recount and correct the mistakes:
"Last weekend I go to my aunt house. first we eat lunch. Then we watch a movie and play cards it was very fun. finally I go home and sleep."
Rewrite it correctly:
Part 6: Planning Your Recount
Think about a recent experience (e.g., family event, sports game, school trip, cultural celebration).
Fill in the plan:
When did it happen? ______________________________
Where were you? ______________________________
Who was there? ______________________________
What happened first? ______________________________
What happened next? ______________________________
How did you feel? ______________________________
Part 7: Portfolio Task – Structured Recount
Write your second portfolio piece:
Title: A Memorable Day
Use 3 paragraphs
Use past tense verbs
Use time connectives
Check spelling and punctuation
Write your recount below:
Reflection
✔ Did I use past tense correctly?
✔ Did I organise my ideas into paragraphs?
✔ Did I use time connectives?
✔ Did I check punctuation and capital letters?
What is one thing I improved in this writing?
Teacher Notes – Lesson 2: Recount Writing
Curriculum Links
New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) – English
Structure: Organises ideas into paragraphs.
Language Features: Uses past tense, sentence punctuation, and sequencing vocabulary appropriately.
English Language Learning Progressions (ELLP)
Past tense verb control (regular + common irregular verbs)
Use of time connectives for sequencing
Basic paragraph structure (introduction, events, conclusion)
Increasing sentence accuracy and punctuation control
Part 1: What is a Recount?
Expected Answers:
Past tense
Time connectives: First, Then, After that, Finally
One paragraph (teacher can discuss how it could also be structured into three paragraphs for stronger organisation)
Teaching Notes:
Highlight verb endings (-ed) and irregular verbs (went, had).
Ask: “Why do we use past tense in a recount?”
Model splitting the example into three paragraphs to demonstrate structure.
Part 2: Past Tense Practice
Verb Table Answers:
| Present | Past |
|---|---|
| go | went |
| eat | ate |
| see | saw |
| play | played |
| make | made |
| help | helped |
Sentence Corrections:
Yesterday I went to the park.
We played basketball after school.
My family had dinner together.
Teaching Notes:
Explicitly teach irregular verbs (go → went, eat → ate, have → had).
Create a class anchor chart of common irregular verbs.
Encourage students to check verbs during editing.
Part 3: Time Connectives
Possible Model Answer:
“First, I woke up early. Next, I got dressed. Then, I caught the bus. Finally, I arrived at school.”
Teaching Notes:
Accept variations (After that, Later, etc.).
Emphasise logical sequencing.
Encourage students not to overuse the same connective repeatedly.
Part 4: Paragraph Structure
Teaching Clarification:
Strong recounts should have:
Paragraph 1 – Orientation
When
Where
Who
Paragraph 2 – Events (in order)
Paragraph 3 – Personal reflection
Model an example on the board and label each paragraph.
Part 5: Editing Practice
Corrected Version (Model Answer):
“Last weekend, I went to my aunt’s house. First, we ate lunch. Then we watched a movie and played cards. It was very fun. Finally, I went home and slept.”
Errors Students Should Notice:
Verb tense (go → went, eat → ate, watch → watched, play → played)
Capital letters (First, Finally)
Apostrophe (aunt’s house)
Missing full stop before “It”
Verb tense consistency (sleep → slept)
Teaching Notes:
Encourage students to read aloud to hear mistakes.
Focus on one error type at a time (verbs, punctuation, capitals).
Part 6: Planning Section
Teacher Guidance:
Check that students:
Choose a real event
Plan events in chronological order
Include feelings for reflection
Support ELL students with sentence starters:
“Last week, I…”
“First, we…”
“After that…”
“I felt…”
Part 7: Portfolio Task – Structured Recount
Suggested Assessment Focus (Formative)
| Criteria | Emerging | Developing | Secure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Past Tense | Frequent errors | Some errors but meaning clear | Mostly accurate |
| Time Connectives | Few or missing | Some sequencing | Clear logical sequence |
| Paragraph Structure | One block of text | Some paragraph awareness | Clear 3-paragraph structure |
| Sentence Accuracy | Run-ons/fragments | Some correct sentences | Mostly complete sentences |
Model Portfolio Example (High-Level Response)
A Memorable Day
Last month, I went to a cultural festival with my family at the community centre. My cousins and grandparents were there, and the weather was sunny.
First, we watched traditional performances. Then we tasted different foods and walked around the stalls. After that, I joined a group activity where we learned a new dance. Finally, we took photos together before going home.
I felt proud and excited because I learned something new and spent time with my family. It was a special day that I will always remember.
Reflection Guidance
Encourage students to identify:
One grammar improvement
One structural improvement
One area to improve next time
Differentiation Ideas
For lower-level ELL learners:
Provide a fill-in-the-blank paragraph frame.
Provide a verb list with past tense forms.
Allow oral rehearsal before writing.
For higher-level learners:
Encourage varied time connectives.
Encourage compound/complex sentences.
Add sensory details for depth.