Overview and Outcomes:

This is a 10-session Literary Leaf for The Lost Spells by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris which covers all aspects of the Lower Key Stage 2 content domains.  Children will study three poems from the collection in particular: Jackdaw, Grey Seal and Woodpecker.  Children begin by exploring the notion of 'spells' and make predictions about what the Lost Spells may be about.  They then move on to study each poem in turn, investigating the vocabulary and meanings within each and examining the authors' use of poetic devices.  Through studying three poems side by side, children are encouraged to make comparisons by summarising and identifying similarities between each.  There will also be opportunities for children to work in small groups to discuss and share thoughts about their reading. 

Synopsis of Text:

We chose this beautiful collection of poems as a Literary Leaf as it presents an opportunity for children to explore the magic of language within the familiar, yet still largely unknown, context of animals and the natural world.  The text is likely to inspire protection and action on behalf of the characters written about. Above all, the collection celebrates a sense of wonder, allowing children to witness nature's power to amaze, console and bring joy.

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

Leon and the Place Between by Angela McAllister (Y3 planning sequence in the Literary Curriculum) would be an ideal text to teach this alongside.

Nature, animals, habitats, environment, landscapes, spells, magic, wonder