Overview and Outcomes:

In this ten-session Writing Root, which we suggest will take 3 weeks to cover, the children discover that the role-play area has been set up as a greengrocer and then they participate in a fruit and veg tasting session. They think about likes and dislikes and draw and label 3 fruits or vegetables that they like then think about and write down what they will not ever eat. They meet Charlie and his little sister Lola in the story I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato and use What were they Thinking? to write in role as Lola. They then transform the signage in the role-play greengrocers to invented fruit and veg names, just as Charlie does in the story. Finally, the children plan and write their own story about a fussy eater. Phonics teaching is embedded throughout and suggestions for Continuous Provision are also made.

Phonics Provision:

Letters & Sounds Phase 3, Weeks 4 & 5 Revision

Synopsis of Text:

Lola will not eat peas. In fact, she won't eat carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, eggs, sausages, cauliflower, cabbage or baked beans. And she will absolutely not eat a tomato. But when Charlie explains that peas are actually green drops from Greenland, and that carrots are orange twiglets from Jupiter, even Lola is tempted to clear her plate.

Text Rationale:

Lauren Child MBE is well-known for her Charlie and Lola series of books. This is the first book in the series and won the Kate Greenaway Award in 2001. It is an important text in helping parents and teachers discuss healthy eating with children as well as the importance of trying new things. Children can also learn about different food groups and their nutritional value.

Links and Themes:

Health, healthy eating, diet, nutrition, fruit, vegetables, food groups

Date written: June 2017