A Writing Root for Robot Girl

Outcomes:

Discussion / debate, character comparisons, dialogue, email in role,  setting description, advice letter, action scene, book review

Main Outcome:

Science-fiction narrative

Length:

15 sessions, 3 weeks

Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root based upon Robot Girl by Malorie Blackman.  The Writing Root begins with children arriving in class to be presented with a government mandate that robots will take over all jobs in the community, which they will go on to discuss and debate.  As they read Robot Girl, they will unpick the elements of science-fiction writing as they learn more about the key characters in the story, comparing them.  They will explore creating effective dialogue to convey character and show feelings through writing emails in role.  After making predictions about twists and turns in the story, they will go on to create atmospheric setting descriptions, give a character advice about what to do, and write an action scene.  After finishing the book and discussing the dramatic plot twist, they will write a book review before going on to create their own science-fiction narrative inspired by Robot Girl.  

Synopsis of Text:

A futuristic drama full of suspense from the UK Children's Laureate 2013-2015. Claire is keen to find out what her dad has been working on in his lab. He's been really excited about it and Claire knows it must be something that will make him even more famous. But the big reveal isn't at all what she expected and now Claire has a dilemma on her hands - what do you do when your dad has created a monster...? Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+.

Text rationale:

This is a futuristic thriller written by Malorie Blackman, one of the UK’s most popular children’s authors and the UK poet laureate from 2013 to 2015. Children will develop skills of inference and deduction as they follow the story through many twists and turns. The text is also printed on dyslexic friendly paper, making it more accessible to those who may struggle with independent reading.  Links can be made to the science and PSHE curriculums and discussions will open up around the ethics of A.I. – highly topical at present!  

Links and themes:

Robots, robotics, future, science fiction, ethical decisions, family

Date written: June 2017

Updated: April 2024