Writing technical manuals – keeping a diary 

English Language 

Creative Technical Writing 

Second Term Lesson Note

Week 1

Primary 6 

Writing technical manuals – keeping a diary 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to 

1. Recognize a diary and state its purpose 
2. Describe a features of a diary entry 
3. Write a daily diary entry for one week 

Entry Behaviour

Pupils have been seen a diary with elderly persons probably their older siblings or parents

Instructional Materials

• A diary
• Audio Visual Resources 
• Flash cards 
• Online Dictionary 
• Recommended English Textbook 
• Chart 
• Hard copy dictionary 

Methods of Teaching

• Class Discussion
• Group Discussion
• Asking Questions
• Explanation
• Role Modelling
• Role Delegation

Reference Materials 

• Scheme of Work
• Online Information
• Textbooks
• Workbooks
• 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum

Content 

What is a diary? 

A diary is a personal record of events, thoughts, and feelings, often written on a daily basis. It is a way for a person to document their experiences and reflect on them. A diary can serve as a tool for self-reflection and self-improvement, and it can also be a way to keep track of important events and activities. Many people find it therapeutic to write in a diary, as it allows them to express their emotions and process their thoughts in a private and personal way. Some people use a physical book to write in, while others use a computer or smartphone app to create a digital diary.

What are the features of a diary? 

1. Personal entries: A diary typically contains personal entries written by the individual who is keeping the diary. These entries may include descriptions of events, thoughts and feelings, and reflections on the day’s events.
2. Date and time: Many diaries include the date and time of each entry, allowing the writer to keep track of when events occurred and to see how their experiences have changed over time.
3. Privacy: Diaries are often kept private and are meant for the personal use of the writer. However, some people may choose to share their diary with others or even publish it.
4. Reflective writing: Many people use their diary as a way to reflect on their experiences and process their thoughts and emotions.
5. Organization: Some diaries are organized by date, while others may be organized by theme or topic.
6. Customization: Some diaries allow the writer to customize the appearance and layout of the diary, such as by choosing the font and background color.
7. Security: Digital diaries may include security features to protect the privacy of the writer, such as password protection or encryption.

Evaluation

1. What is a diary? a) A personal record of events, thoughts, and feelings b) A tool for self-reflection and self-improvement c) Both a and b d) None of the above
2. How is a diary typically used? a) To keep track of important events and activities b) To document and reflect on personal experiences c) As a way to express emotions and process thoughts d) All of the above
3. Who typically writes in a diary? a) Anyone who wants to keep a personal record of their experiences b) Only children c) Only adults d) Only celebrities
4. What is the purpose of a diary? a) To keep track of events and experiences b) To reflect on personal growth and development c) To express emotions and process thoughts d) All of the above
5. How is a diary typically organized? a) By date b) By theme or topic c) Both a and b d) None of the above
6. Can a diary be customized? a) Yes b) No c) Only if it is a digital diary d) Only if it is a physical book
7. Is a diary usually kept private? a) Yes b) No c) It depends on the individual d) It depends on the type of diary
8. Can a diary be shared with others or published? a) Yes b) No c) Only if it is a digital diary d) Only if it is a physical book
9. Is a diary only for personal use? a) Yes b) No c) It depends on the individual
10. Can a diary include security features to protect the privacy of the writer? a) Yes b) No c) Only if it is a digital diary d) Only if it is a physical book

Marking Guide 

1. What is a diary? c) Both a and b
2. How is a diary typically used? d) All of the above
3. Who typically writes in a diary? a) Anyone who wants to keep a personal record of their experiences
4. What is the purpose of a diary? d) All of the above
5. How is a diary typically organized? c) Both a and b
6. Can a diary be customized? a) Yes
7. Is a diary usually kept private? a) Yes
8. Can a diary be shared with others or published? a) Yes
9. Is a diary only for personal use? b) No
10. Can a diary include security features to protect the privacy of the writer? a) Yes

A written diary entry of Babajide for one week. 

Sunday: Today was a relaxing day. I spent the morning playing video games and watching movies with my family. In the afternoon, we went for a hike in the park. It was a beautiful day and the scenery was amazing. I can’t wait to do it again next weekend.

Monday: Today was the first day of school after the weekend. I was a little nervous, but my friends were there to support me. We had a lot of fun in class and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week will bring.

Tuesday: Today was a busy day at school. We had a test in math and I studied really hard for it. I’m confident that I did well. In the afternoon, we had soccer practice and I’m excited to see how our team will do this season.

Wednesday: Today was a fun day at school. We had a field trip to the museum and learned about ancient civilizations. It was really interesting and I can’t wait to go back again. In the evening, I had a play date with my best friend and we had a lot of fun.

Thursday: Today was a good day at school. I had a presentation in social studies and I think it went really well. My classmates asked a lot of questions and I felt like I did a good job answering them. In the evening, I had piano lessons and I’m starting to get the hang of it.

Friday: Today was the last day of the school week and I’m happy to have a break. I had a lot of fun in class and can’t wait to see what next week will bring. In the evening, I had a sleepover with my friends and we watched movies and played games all night.

Saturday: Today was a relaxing day. I spent the morning catching up on some homework and then spent the afternoon playing with my siblings. In the evening, we had a family dinner and it was really nice to spend time with everyone.

Presentation

The lesson presentation is done step by step. The class teacher or subject teacher does the following

1. Revise the previous lesson which also includes learners previous knowledge that is related to the new topic
2. Introduce the new lesson by showing the pupils a sample of a diary.
3. Explain the purpose of using a diary to the pupils
4. Pupils are to write out their own diary information for one week
5. Give a board summary of the topic that has just been taught

Evaluation

1. What is the definition of a diary?
2. What is the purpose of a diary?
3. Who typically writes in a diary?
4. How is a diary typically organized?
5. Is a diary typically kept private or shared with others?

Conclusion

To conclude the lesson, the class teacher or subject teacher does a brief review of what he or she has just taught the pupils. He ask you questions that are related to the topic to ascertain if the learners have actually assimilated and understood the new topic that has just been taught