Overview and Outcomes:

When a great dam was built by the Kielder Water in Northumberland, the valley below slowly filled with water. But just before this, when the villagers had been moved out, two musicians went back to the abandoned valley. They tore down the boards over the houses, stepped inside and started to play – for this would be the last time that music would be heard in this place. This book explores themes such as change, community and memory. The Writing Root starts when children find a mysterious message in a time capsule from a resident from Kielder before the town was purposely flooded. In the time capsule they find some sheet music and photos of old Kielder. Children go on to create their own dams using a variety of materials and write about why dams and reservoirs are important. The unit will allow children to describe the lush landscape of Kielder Water and will build towards children writing a holiday brochure to encourage visitors to come to Kielder Water. 

Synopsis of Text:

When a great dam was built by the Kielder Water in Northumberland, the valley below slowly filled with water. But just before this, when the villagers had been moved out, two musicians went back to the abandoned valley. They tore down the boards over the houses, stepped inside and started to play – for this would be the last time that music would be heard in this place. In this astonishing picture book that combines themes of loss, hope and music David Almond pays homage to all musicians, showing the ancient and unstoppable power of creativity.

Links:

Water, loss, hope, music, creativity