Follow Up Story (3 weeks) unit based on Varmints by Helen Ward

This is a 3 week unit which is inspired by the great text Varmints by Helen Ward. The story is a lovely tale of nature dealing with the imposing expansion of man-made developments but finding a way to survive. The theme of the book is regeneration and natures battle to survive in a man-made world. I have taught this in my class and have really enjoyed the wide-ranging elements from looking at deforestation to creating a plausible follow up to the story.
I have listed the learning objectives for all of the lessons below. Also, I have included all of the worksheets, PowerPoints, links and resources you will need to teach this unit straight away.

Stage 1 - Stimulate and generate- Learning outcomes
*To compare a film version of a book
*To write a character description of a varmint
*To understand themes in a book
*To identify specific techniques, explaining the effect on them as a reader
*To discuss philosophical ideas
*To take notes to summarise details
*To debate an issue

Stage 2 - Capture, Sift and Sort- Learning outcomes
*To use personification to describe objects
*To describe using figurative language
*To write expanded noun phrases
*To use different conjunctions

Stage 3 - Create refine evaluate- Learning outcomes
*To plan an alternative ending
*To revise, edit evaluate and improve my writing
*To write an alternative ending in the style of another author

Stimulate and generate = This usually starts with a hook to interest the class where the class realise who they are going to write for so they have a clear purpose and audience. Activities can include reading excellent model texts, drama or researching more about the author or the content of the book.

Capture, sift and sort = This is the part of the unit where pupils look at key features, practise skills they will need in order to complete the final piece or new learning for objectives they have not learnt yet.

Create, refine, evaluate = This is where you bring all you have learnt together and plan the final piece before you write it and then edit it to improve the piece. This can include self, peer or teacher led reviewing.