Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root based around the book Dear Earth by Isabel Otter and illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi. The sequence of learning begins with children discovering an explorer’s rucksack in the classroom containing many exploration-related items. The class move on to set up an Explorers’ Club and decide where in the world they’d like to explore and what they’d want to see and do. Children write about these aspirations and pin them to a world map. Children go on to write about what explorers need to do before going on a mini safari and then research and record factual statements about endangered animals. As they read through the book, children will write setting descriptions of landscapes around the world and turn these into poems about exploration. As they continue to read about Tessa’s imagined travels, children write a script for a travel vlog. At the end of the story, children are challenged to think about and discuss the problems and solutions the planet faces and will write a persuasive speech encouraging the public to look after the environment. Children will use all the skills and vocabulary covered to write their own extended informative leaflet about protecting the environment. Children will finish with a letter to the earth, using Tessa’s letter from the text and celebrating their own dreams and aspirations. 

Synopsis of Text:

When Tessa writes a love letter to the Earth, it's the beginning of a glorious adventure. She blows bubbles with whales, soars with birds and joins in with the noisy rainforest hullabaloo! 
Tessa wants everyone to know how special our planet is. She believes that there is a chance to save the Earth if enough of us share the message...

Text Rationale:

This inspirational picture book charmingly blends fiction with non-fiction as we journey through the varied landscapes and habitats of the world with main character Tessa. The story encourages children to appreciate the wonders of the natural world, including the varied animals, oceans and environments, as well as what can be done to protect it. Beautiful illustrations bring each location to life and will open up discussions about the problems the earth faces and the solutions we can all take responsibility for. 

Links and themes:

Earth, conservation, pollution, endangered animals, protection, dreams, aspirations, exploration

Date written: October 2023