Overview and Outcomes:

In this ten-session Writing Root, which we suggest will take 3 weeks to cover, the children arrive to class and, along the way, a route is marked with signage to which the children add. Then the penguins arrive! Facts about penguins are shared before two penguins, Roy and Silo, are introduced. The story is shared and the children receive a letter from Roy and Silo who feel sad because all the other penguins have eggs that have hatched whereas they do not. The children respond by writing letters to Mr Gramzay, the zookeeper, advising that he takes an egg that cannot be cared for by its birth parents and places it in the care of Roy and Silo. They know just what to do and so hatches their baby: Tango! The children write new baby cards to congratulate the daddies before creating their own versions of the story. There are opportunities for developing early writing skills and ideas for continuous provision throughout.

Synopsis of text:

Roy and Silo are just like the other penguin couples at the zoo - they bow to each other, walk together and swim together. But Roy and Silo are a little bit different - they're both boys.

Then, one day, when Mr Gramzay the zookeeper finds them trying to hatch a stone, he realises that it may be time for Roy and Silo to become parents for real.

Text rationale:

This is an important text which will allow children to explore all different kinds of families. The main characters challenge traditional stereotypes and the story is inclusive in representing the LGBTQ+ community. The fact that it is a true story also adds authenticity to the tale! Additionally, children can discover concepts relating to the animal kingdom, including habitats, diet and how penguins look after their young.

Links and themes:

Family, relationships, LGBTQ+, animal kingdom, penguins, zoos

Date written: November 2023