https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9 Quality Literature children can immerse themselves in - provoking 'Book Talk' en-us 2022-02-18 14:12:06 UTC 2022-04-12 15:41:29 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4da.png 11kennedygra https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9/wish/2055439611 ~ Whole Class Read (as there are many small details and characters in this story, it would be best for a teacher to read aloud for the class so the children can really immerse themselves in this tale).

"Once upon a bicycle, So they say, A Jolly Postman came one day..." This beautifully written, multiple interaction story book narrates the day in the life of this very jolly postman and the fascinating characters he encounters along the way. From a letter to the Wicked Witch, to a birthday card for Goldilocks this story features a range of fairytale characters and even their physical post for children to take out of the book and read for themselves!

I would recommend the age bracket (5-8) as it is quite a lengthy and challenging read, yet encaptures a variety of fairytale characters that younger children will be familiar with and they will very much enjoy the story.

To generate book talk, I would ask KS1 children to:

~ Create a new character for The Jolly Postman to encounter (draw a picture, colour and name) identify some characteristics.

~ The children will role-play The Jolly Postman story in groups and interview each character they meet - ('postman' child will interact with several characters and the conversation will be recorded via picollage)

I would ask KS2 children to:

~ Create their own chapter to add to the story of The Jolly Postman with a new character for him to visit.

~Design a piece of mail for the new character to receive (e.g the three little pigs may receive a magazine from a building supplies).]]> 2022-02-18 15:25:36 UTC https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9/wish/2055439611 11kennedygra https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9/wish/2055441621 ~ Literacy Objective (as the book possesses an infinite amount of possibilities for teachers to integrate into several subjects).

The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch is a classic children's book, that is still captivating young children in school today. The story features Mr and Mrs Grinling, their terrified-of-heights cat Hamish and some very pesky seagulls. Poor Mr Grinling can never receive his delicious lunch from Mrs Grinling in one piece, all thanks to the sneaky seagulls devouring every last morsel as it travels to the lighthouse - will Mr Grinling ever receive his lunch? Will the seagulls stop their pesky ways? Will Hamish ever recover from his traumatic ordeal? Read this fantastic story to find out!

I would recommend the year group bracket as between Year 2 - Year 4 as the book is quite a long read and could be difficult to follow if the children were any younger. I think older children would prefer something a bit more challenging than this book and more relatable to the real world.

To generate book talk, I would ask KS1/KS2 children to:

~ In groups, think of a new plan Mr and Mrs Grinling could try. Using A3 paper and large sticky notes they can attach as many ideas as possible to distract the seagulls from the lunch.

~ Ask the children to design their own disgusting sandwich - what ingredients would they put in it? What would it look like? What are your reasons for putting those particular ingredients in the 'distraction' sandwich?

~ Create your own 'distraction' sandwich for the seagulls using these ingredients (use strange ingredients so children can be as creative as thy can - activities like these enhances the childrens' general day to day life skills) then create a delicious sandwich for Mr Grinling to eat (let children eat their edible creation). Photo evidence required.]]> 2022-02-18 15:26:45 UTC https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9/wish/2055441621 11kennedygra https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9/wish/2055443540 ~ Recommended Read (the book features on Books for Topics as a Recommended Read for Year 4, but I think as it has possibly relatable factors for some children and such a rollercoaster of emotions - it can be applicable for all KS2, and depending on the children it might be too much to handle emotionally)

The Boy at the Back of the Class is a touching and heartfelt story which combines real-time devastating circumstances with the beautiful naivety of children - many of which cannot comprehend the velocity of such violent acts, for example - war. It features hard-to-talk-about subjects in a more approachable way, which is great to educate children so they have some knowledge of what is going on in the world around them. During this book, the children encounter issues of heartbreak, bullying, poverty, racism, exciting yet dangerous capers, joy and defeat. Discover the truth behind the boy with lion eyes and the best friends that will do anything for him.

To generate book talk, I would ask KS2 children to:

~ Pretend Ahmet is in our class - why do you think he is so quiet? Where do you think he has come from? Create questions on flashcards of the things you would ask Ahmet.

~ Create a set of instructions on how to sneak out of school and meet the Queen!

~ Write a diary entry from the perspective of Ahmet and his first day at school - what information might you want to include? Which emotions may be relevant?]]> 2022-02-18 15:27:56 UTC https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9/wish/2055443540 11kennedygra https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9/wish/2055444711 ~ Whole Class Read Aloud (This book features a variety of colourful photos to keep children engaged, and short sharp sentences that keep it fast paced. Amazing jokes that both children and adults alike and clffhangers that leave you begging for more - this book is perfect for children of KS1).

"Yes, a pea! But I'm out of the freezer now and I'm never going back! Mwah ha ha ha ha!" Supertato is a fantastic children's book that features a variety of supermarket friends all in peril because of one mischivious evil pea. The fate of the vegetables rests only in the hands of the amazing, the marvellous Supertato!

To generate book talk, I would ask KS1 children:

~ Choose their favourite character and why - write their characteristics and qualities they have.

~ Create their own super-food! Design their costume, decide whether they are good or bad, why you have chosen that item of food?

~ When you go home, I want you to look in your freezer and make sure there are no esca-PEAS! Send a photo/bring one in of you doing this.]]> 2022-02-18 15:28:31 UTC https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9/wish/2055444711 11kennedygra https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9/wish/2055446395 Unit of Work (This book has a vast majority of information regarding World War II, which can be beneficial to History topics and English topics. It also features all the events from a very different perspective which children may not have thought about before)

The Book Thief is an insightful, harrowing and brilliant book that follows the life experiences of Liesel Meminger during World War II. It shares with the reader what life is like living under the strict rule of the Nazi's, it could be beneficial to History topics as it shows information from different perspectives and teaches the children of what it was like living during this unfortunate time. It can be beneficial for English purposes as it contains a variety of differing vocabulary which could be applicable and adapted to English. The book takes on a very different approach, as it is narrated by Death itself. I think this is a strong and interesting aspect and makes the book vey engaging.

I would ask KS2 children to:

~ Draw what they think Death might look like and write a small description about it

~ Write a letter to Liesel, tell her about what life is like in Britain during WW2

~ Create a list of vocabulary you don't understand - spend this time researching and recording what the words mean]]> 2022-02-18 15:29:32 UTC https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9/wish/2055446395 11kennedygra https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9/wish/2055452794 ~ Guided Reading (This book features a variety of information that could be used for guided reading - it is bursting with retrieval task ideas that could be used in class due to the vast information it possesses).

The Twits is one of my favourite children's books of all time. It is a creation of comedical genius about two very spiteful partners and the horrific tricks they play on one another. It is a classic book that children do and will love with every vulgar detail for them to giggle in delight at, and follow the perilous adventures that the Muggle Wump Monkeys and the Roly Poly bird endeavour. 

I would ask KS2 children to:

~ Find three adjectives that describe the Roly Poly bird and write them down.

~ Write a character profile of Mr or Mrs Twit, see example.

~As a table, create a scheme the Roly Poly bird and the Muggle Wump monkeys could play on the twits.]]> 2022-02-18 15:32:42 UTC https://padlet.com/11kennedygra/tu2uyf2uhlurxgr9/wish/2055452794