Teach-Primary-Issue-19.7

www.teachwire.net | 75 T E ACH RE AD I NG & WR I T I NG Loved this? Try these... v A Story of the Seasons: A Year in Nature by Anna Wilson & Carolina Rabei v Betsy Buglove and the Brave Butterfly by Catherine Jacob & Lucy Fleming v Willow Wildthing by Gill Lewis & Rebecca Bagley v Greenwild by Pari Thompson & Elisa Paganelli v The Beck by Anthony McGowen ‘instruments’ to create a new piece of music. Listening to each other and teamwork is key. COMPANION TO OCTOBER, OCTOBER Wild would be the perfect picturebook to pair with the middle grade novel October, October, also by Katya Balen. Exploring similar themes, these two books could be read together to reflect on the importance of nature, the contrast of physical and natural features, and the impact of moving to a new place, at a much deeper level. October, October is a powerful story of love, discovery, challenges, loss and rebuilding. Eleven-year-old October lives in the forest with her father. They are wild and love everything about their off-grid existence, relying on themselves and the forest for life, joy and fulfilment. October thrives on their traditions and her close relationship with both her father and the natural world around her. She loves to find treasures and imagine their stories. Her collection of found things is precious to her, and she is happiest when exploring the forest after a storm. As the story begins, October discovers her most special treasures yet, and their stories become key to October’s future and the unexpected turns life takes. Cleverly telling the tale through a first-person inner monologue, Katya Balen gives incredible insight into the thoughts and intense feelings of her character. The reader is drawn right into the powerful emotions October experiences as she attempts to navigate her way through an unknown world. Themes of letting go, dealing with change, loss and gain shape the story into something truly special. Readers are encouraged to really think about what it means to be wild and free and how to find their own perfect ending. about how they contribute to the local ecosystem. Animals and humans There are many wonderful stories in which wildlife interacts with humans. Holly Webb’s animal tales are fantastic examples of books that explore the delicate relationship between animals and humans. In each book, a child encounters a British animal, such as a fox, badger or owl, and must find a way to protect the creature and its habitat. These stories champion conservation, rewilding and respect for the natural world. Encourage children to choose a British animal to research. They should consider appearance, adaptation to environment, habitat, diet, threats and relationship with humans. Once they become experts about their animal, they can present their findings in a format of their choosing. They could write and illustrate a picturebook, a poem, a non-chronological report or leaflet, a script for a documentary or even a play. Encourage them to focus on how humans can help this animal to thrive. Provide a purpose for the writing by sharing it with another class or with parents. Finding our wild Reading Wild also provides an opportunity to talk about what it means to be ‘wild’ – to be ourselves and explore our world. There’s an incredible sense of freedom and peace to be found in nature. Encourage children to stop and feel the woods – to drink it in. Forest bathing is a Japanese relaxation technique; being calm among the trees, breathing deeply and observing nature can reduce stress and increase a sense of wellbeing. When the girl in the story has to leave the woods, she feels like she’s lost her wild. Is it possible to lose who you are? What circumstances might cause this to happen? How can we find our way through difficult times to feel like ourselves again? TP “ Wild is the perfect book to help pupils explore the wonders of nature” Kate Heap is a primary English consultant, author and children’s book reviewer. Her Developing Reading Comprehension Skills series provides teachers with high-quality, engaging texts and thought-provoking questions that will inspire young readers. scopeforimagination.co.uk Down to the river In Wild , the girl follows a bird to the river where she discovers the freshness of the water, the freedom of birds, the energy of fish and life everywhere. Beside the buildings, roads, vehicles and bridges, she discovers that there was wild there all along. Visit a nearby river or canal or invite a speaker from a local charity such as the Canal & River Trust into your classroom ( canalrivertrust.org. uk ). Focus on the connections between physical and natural features. Find out more about the importance of the waterways and how nature is protected along their banks. Identify common birds, fish and insects while learning