A Whole School Writing Root for Change Sings

Main Outcome(s):

Instructions, poetry, poetry reviews, biographies celebrating uniqueness, slogans and posters. 

Length:

10+ sessions, 2 weeks

Overview and Outcomes:

This is a two-week Whole School Writing Root for Change Sings by Amanda Gorman and Loren Long. Celebrating unity and hope, this delightful picture book from poet and activist Amanda Gorman is a joyous anthem to the importance of working together for a better world. A lyrical picture book debut from presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman. The sequence of learning begins with children discovering a guitar in their classroom with a motivational letter from the author. Children will have multiple opportunities to hear the poem being performed as well as performing the poem themselves in a range of different ways. Children will have opportunities to explore the central theme of positive change by thinking about changes they would want to see happen in their school, local community and the wider world. They develop their own poetry and each class publish their own poetry compilations, ending with a whole school performance. 

This resource has been designed to be used by an entire school to foster a shared learning experience around one text and to engender written outcomes – some with the same audiences and purposes, some not – that are ‘at pitch’ for each phase/stage but that will also aid revision, catch-up and extension where (and in whichever form) needed. We have planned for activities at different stages, grouped into key-stages: Reception with Year 1, Year 2 with Year 3 and then Year 4 to Year 6, or grouped simply into EYFS with KS1 and KS2. Where this is the grouping, there are opportunities for differentiation within to ensure that the pitch of sessions is appropriate. The resource is intended to form the basis upon which schools and teachers can create and shape a sequence of learning that will work well in their context. The sessions could be added to with art activities and through further learning in PSHE, science, geography and history.

Synopsis of Text:

"I can hear change humming
In its loudest, proudest song.
I don't fear change coming,
And so I sing along."

In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes - big or small - in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves. 

With lyrical text and rhythmic illustrations that build to a dazzling crescendo by No.1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long, Change Sings is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference.

Links:

Poetry, power, change, community