Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root based around the book House Held Up by Trees by Ted Kooser and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Another text to use in tandem is the The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green for which we have written a Literary Leaf. The sequence of learning begins with a trip to the local park where children can take photos of all the different trees they spot. Depending on the time of year, they can also collect different seeds and leaves to take back to the classroom. This trip will give them inspiration to write descriptions about all the natural wonders they spotted. Children can also have fun pressing the leaves and sketching the trees. While reading the text, children will be encouraged to write an estate agent advertisement as well as use conjunctions to explain the life cycle of trees. Children will discuss the characters in the text, including what the deeper message of the book could be, and will finish with an extended factual report about the trees at their local park aimed at attracting potential visitors.

Synopsis of Text:

When the house was new, not a single tree remained on its perfect lawn to give shade from the sun. The children in the house trailed the scent of wild trees to neighbouring lots, where thick bushes offered secret places to play. When the children grew up and moved away, their father, alone in the house, continued his battle against blowing seeds, plucking out sprouting trees – until one day he, too, moved away. Then, as the empty house began its decline, the trees began to take over. At once wistful and exhilarating, this lovely, lyrical story evokes the inexorable passage of time – and the awe-inspiring power of nature to lift us up.

Text Rationale:

This book is a collaboration between Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Ted Kooser and award-winning illustrator Jon Klassen. The story subtly portrays the relationship between a father and his two children who become more estranged as they grow older. It also explores change in nature and the power of nature to reclaim spaces ­– a great opportunity to learn about trees and gardens. There is a cautionary note in amongst the sparse narrative about the consequences of trying to resist change and not being present for those people who need you.

Links and themes:

The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green (Literary Leaf for Year 2) would be ideal to study alongside this Planning Sequence.

Seeds, trees, environment, family, nature, cautionary tale, change and growth

Date written: November 2016

Updated: November 2022