Overview and Outcomes:

In this ten-session Writing Root, which we suggest will take 3 weeks to cover, the children plant a range of seeds and write instructions for seed-planting before sharing the story The Tiny Seed. They write in role as the little seed, sing a Story Song and then write in the past tense. After exploring the idea of being small but managing to overcome adversity and grow big and strong, the children think about what they would like to become when they are grown up. Then a letter arrives from The Tiny Seed asking for help with giving other seeds advice and the children write a leaflet that will help seeds grow well. Phonics teaching is embedded throughout and suggestions for Continuous Provision are also made.

Synopsis of Text:

Eric Carle's classic story of the life cycle of a flower is told through the adventures of a tiny seed. Everyone will cheer for the seed's progress as it floats across the sky, nestles in the ground, and finally grows into the giant flower it was always meant to be.

Text Rationale:

This text is written by multi award-winning author and illustrator Eric Carle and, in his quintessential style, tells the humble but profound journey of a tiny seed. This text has strong links to science as young children learn about important concepts such as seed dispersal and the life cycle of a flower. This text could be read alongside others such as the Very Hungry Caterpillar and the Very Busy Spider among others.

Links and Themes:

Plants, life-cycle of a flower, seeds, seed dispersal, nature, science

Date written: June 2017