A Writing Root for Skygazing

Overview and Outcomes:

This is a 15-session Literary Leaf for Skygazing by Anna Claybourne and Kerry Hyndman. This Literary Leaf covers all aspects of the Key Stage 2 content domain and offers many rich opportunities for children to develop their knowledge of astronomy, weather and the technology that they might spot in the skies, as well as wildlife. Children will find the answers to burning questions such as: how is a rainbow formed? Why is the sky blue? Where does rain come from? What causes day and night? There are also many practical experiments to carry out at home or in the classroom. Children will have opportunities to explore specific technical vocabulary and answer a range of investigative questions.

Synopsis of Text:

We chose this book for a Literary Leaf as it is a beautifully presented non-fiction book with a variety of illustrations and layouts.

What do you see when you look up at the sky? It may seem like a big, empty space, but it's busier than you think. From clouds and stars, to birds, planes and everything in between – there's a whole sky to explore. 

Skygazing is a double-sided book full of incredible cross-curricular information, fun activities, and fascinating illustrated scenes to enjoy. Discover why the sky is blue, learn early experiments in flight, and how helicopters stay aloft, before flipping the book to read all about the night sky. Find out how to read the stars, spot the night's flying creatures and see the colours of the aurora borealis.

Links to Curriculum areas, other Literary Leaves and Planning Sequences:

Astronomy, aeronautics, discovery, flying

Who Let The Gods Out (Literary Leaf for Y5), FArTHER (Planning Sequence, Literary Curriculum Y4)