KS2 The Great Kapok Tree - Outstanding English Writing Unit - 11 Lessons

Take your students on an engaging literacy journey to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, inspired by Lynne Cherry’s enchanting story, “The Great Kapok Tree.” This unit enhances writing skills while fostering an appreciation for the rich biodiversity and ecological significance of rainforests. Through a series of enjoyable activities, students will develop their descriptive writing, persuasive techniques, and analytical skills.

This unit includes:
☆ 11 detailed lesson plans with clear learning objectives, success criteria, and differentiation ideas
☆ 11 informative and interactive PowerPoint presentations with stunning images and animations
☆ A comprehensive word bank with key vocabulary and definitions
☆ A range of worksheets and resources to support students’ learning and assessment
☆ A final project where students plan and write their own version of “The Great Kapok Tree” story

This unit covers the following skills and knowledge:
☆ Descriptive Writing: Students will learn to describe a setting vividly, focusing on the sensory details of the rainforest.
☆ Postcard Writing: Children will practise writing a postcard to a friend, describing their imaginary visit to the rainforest.
☆ Character Analysis: Students will find evidence about characters from the text, understanding their motives and perspectives.
☆ Persuasive Writing: Children will write a persuasive text from the point of view of one of the rainforest animals, advocating for the protection of the Great Kapok Tree.
☆ Summarising and Reviewing: Students will summarise the story, articulate their opinions, and write a detailed book review.
☆ Creative Writing: Finally, they will plan and write their own version of the story, incorporating the elements they have learned throughout the unit.

Curriculum Alignment:
This unit aligns with the National Curriculum for English and covers essential literacy skills. It is suitable for KS2 students (ages 7-11) and can be adapted to suit different abilities and interests. It can be used as a standalone topic or integrated into a broader study of rainforest ecosystems and environmental conservation.