A Literary Leaf for The Poet's Dog

Overview and Outcomes:

This is a 20-session Literary Leaf for The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan, covering all aspects of the Lower Key Stage 2 content domain. Children will use clues in the text to predict future events and make comparisons between characters and story events as they develop.  There will be opportunities for children to develop inference skills as well as explore the impact of author language choices. Through whole class and small group discussion, children will summarise key events and explore the themes arising within the text before writing a final review which could appear on the book cover.

Synopsis of Text:

This beautifully written and illustrated text is told from the perspective of an Irish Wolfhound named Teddy. Teddy was rescued by Sylvan who was a poet and teacher. During a snowstorm, Teddy rescues two children who are lost and takes them back to the cabin where they form a tight bond. This is a poignant and heart-warming story which deals with themes of grief, loss, love and family. 

Links:

Poetry, poets, dogs, creativity, grief, snow