A Writing Root for The Lost Thing

Outcomes:

Diary entries, formal letters,adverts,character and setting descriptions, non-chronological reports

Main Outcome:

Own version fantasy narrative

Length:

16 sessions, 3+ weeks

Overview and Outcomes:

Using the film and text of Shaun Tan’s The Lost Thing, children initially engage with the themes of the story and make predictions about its content. They then engage with the story in order to retell the main events to one another. This then leads to a series of innovations upon the story structure and children create their own ‘lost things’, creating a story plan. In the final part, children write their own lost thing narratives, based upon their story plan.

Synopsis of Text:

The Lost Thing is a humorous story about a boy who discovers a bizarre-looking creature whilst out collecting bottle-tops at the beach. Having guessed that it is lost, he tries to find out who owns it or where it belongs, but the problem is met with indifference by everyone else, who barely notice it's presence. Each is unhelpful in their own way; strangers, friends, parents all unwilling to entertain this uninvited interruption to day-to-day life. In spite of his better judgement, the boy feels sorry for this hapless creature, and attempts to find out where it belongs.

Text rationale:

This book is an important commentary on what it means to belong and what happens if we see things differently. Shaun Tan is a significant author-illustrator famous for his books which explore social, political and historical subjects.  Dealing with a quest for belonging, this text shares similar themes with some of his other titles which children may be familiar with, including Eric, and will set them up for studying The Arrival in Year 6.  There is also an Academy Award-winning short film (narrated by Tim Minchin) to accompany the book which will support children’s learning and lead to discussion about belonging, identity and acceptance.  

Links and themes:

Film, utopia, dystopia, belonging, unusual friendships, acceptance, feeling lost, acceptance, being found 

Date written: February 2014