A Whole School Writing Root for Flower Block

Main Outcome(s):

Labels/descriptions, thought bubble/monologues, speech bubbles/dialogue, community badges, neighbourly letters, book blurbs and guided tours/leaflets.

Length:

10+ sessions, 2+ weeks

Overview and Outcomes:

In this two-week Writing Root for Flower Block by Lanisha Butterfield, the learning experience begins when all of the children are gifted some magic seeds. Younger children use the spark of the magic seeds to inspire them to create their own class garden centre or allotment, while older children design their own magical plants to sprout from their seeds. Seemingly overnight, plants begin to appear around the school... just like in the story. As the book continues to be shared, children engage in role-play, creating thought bubbles and the oldest children devise a monologue. Further role-play supports the children to infer and they develop dialogue, recording in different ways. Then, when the main character is in a quandary, the very youngest children create Community Badges whilst older children create neighbourly letters of advice. Once the book has been read completely, the children unpick the themes of the book and write blurbs. Finally, children will come together in mixed age groups to plan and design their own community garden. These then lead on to the creation of guided tours, leaflets and blogs to share and celebrate their community gardens. These can then be shared and celebrated with parents and carers in a community garden design showcase.

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, and geography. 

Synopsis of Text:

'When Jeremiah plants a packet of sunflower seeds, the very last thing he expects is for the vines and leaves to grow overnight and burst through the ceiling of his apartment!

As Jeremiah and his brother chase the magical plant up through the floors of their tower block home, they discover an array of curious neighbours who join in the adventure. But what could be waiting for them at the top of the building? And will Jeremiah find his voice to help the neighbours discover the true magic hidden within these sunflower seeds?

A glorious celebration of the power of nature to bring communities together, from talented debut author Lanisha Butterfield and illustrator Hoang Giang.'

Links:

nature, growth, family, friendship, unity