In Primary 6  we are learning how to  write a diary recount. We watched a variety of videos about Victorian children and the difficult jobs they had to do.  We took notes to help  us support and structure our writing.

In order to create a successful recount we had  to write using:

• First person
• Past tense
• Include self reflections
• Write in character
• Use the correct format
• Proper sentences

We also enhanced our writing by using Victorian vocabulary for example:

Pea soupers- fog

Daddles- hands

Door knockers- beard

Collie shangles- quarrel/fight

Chukkaboo- friends

 

My recount was successful because  I used  first person, past tense and imagery to describe what my character was feeling.

Adam

My recount was successful because I got into character and included feeling sentences

Emma B

 

I was successful because I now know what it would be like to be a Victorian child.

Codi Leigh

We will use these writing techniques to enhance our  writing.

This research and writing process made us realise how different life was for children during the Victorian period and  makes us realize how lucky we are.   We are very happy that laws were put in place to improve everyones life and health and wellbeing ( we wouldn’t be writing a recount  if we were in Victorian times instead  we would be in the mines , factories or the workhouse.)

 

October 24th 1865

Dear Diary

I live in a small flat in Glasgow. I live with my family. I have nine brothers and five sisters. My name is Tobi, I am 10 years old and we are very poor.  I have to work to help my family.

My job is working in the coal mines and it is a very hard job. Everyday I wake up 3 o clock in the morning and walk to work which starts at 4 o’clock. I get paid only 5 shillings a day which isn’t a lot.  My master’s name is John Stevens and he is a horrible bully.  I am a putter which means you have to push heavy trucks of coal in the mines. It is very hard working in the mines. once I  feel asleep in the mines and  got caught by the master. I did not mean to but because it was so dark it just happened. The master whipped me until I bled. Another time I ate my lunch in the mines and again I got caught. This time I got whipped even more. My lunch was only a slice of bread. I hate my master. He has a huge door knocker which is as dark as demons.

Being a putter  is such a hard job for a nine year old like me. I am sad and angry and I get scared in the mines being all alone I want a better education and that’s were school comes in handy. I am getting more lonely and depressed. Now when I get up for work my back feels like it is going to break and I need something to help me get up in the morning.  I have scratches all over my body and I feel like I am dying. My mum died two days ago and I am distraught about the death.  My brothers and sisters tried to help her but it was too late she was only 39 years old when she died. I want to be free of this pain.      

Yours faithfully

Tobi

By Lewis