Overview and Outcomes:

The children will receive recording from an American professor, leaving a message for the children (video or audio) explaining that the class will be receiving a prototype of a new invention through the post.  He will tell them that his inventions are under threat from a saboteur and that he has been receiving threats, because they are so valuable, developed in his laboratory under top-secret conditions. Just before one lunchtime, a large, sealed box will arrive, posted from America; it contains a prototype of a new invention from a famous American professor.  After lunch, the class will come back to find the box opened and empty. The children will explore all possibilities for what has happened - why would someone take an invention, where could it have gone etc. The teacher shows children a ‘Wanted’ poster found this morning which includes a description of Dean D. Dean and information to contact “The Templeton Twins” with any information.  By exploring the text in depth the children become familiar with the role of the ‘narrator’ and write a short piece at the end of the week 2, extending the book and imitating the voice of the narrator who then invites them to be their own narrator.  After this, the children go on to look at twins and invent their own twin. After planning and inventing they go on to write own twin story, based on ideas from the TTs and the story structure. They will include features of adventure/mystery stories, e.g. introduction, build up suspense, problem, resolution, and conclusion, ensuring they using conjunctions that express time to move the story on.

Synopsis of Text:

This debut novel has a fast-paced plot, clever heroes, evil (albeit buffoonish) villains, a sly sense of humour and is filled with puns, word games, puzzles and even a recipe for meatloaf. Illustrations by internationally acclaimed artist Jeremy Holmes give the book even more kid appeal and makes the book a visual stand-out.

Links:

Inventions, adventure

Date written: July 2012