A Writing Root for The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

Overview and Outcomes:

This is a 15-session Literary Leaf for The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken and covers all aspects of the Key Stage 2 content domains.  As a starting point, children will explore the perception of wolves as characters within children’s literature, including their common characteristics, perceptions and portrayals. They will move on to developing their inference skills by identifying emotions and expressing first impressions, as well as summarising changes in characters, settings and atmosphere as the story progresses. Children will have the opportunity to express opinions and explore imagery through visualising the wolves as a perceived threat or invasion.

Synopsis of Text:

We chose this book as a Literary Leaf as it is a classic adventure tale that has stood the test of time.  Long ago, at a time in history that never happened, England was overrun with wolves. But as Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia discover, real danger often lies closer to home. Their new governess, Miss Slighcarp, doesn't seem at all nice. She shuts Bonnie in a cupboard, fires the faithful servants and sends the cousins far away from Willoughby Chase to a place they will never be found. Can Bonnie and Sylvia outwit the wicked Miss Slighcarp and her network of criminals, forgers and snitches?

Links:

Wolves, gothic, dystopia