Authors can be inspired by other stories that they have heard or been told, often about things that friends and family have experienced. They weave their ideas into them, asking ‘What if…?’ questions along the way to create many of the incredible books available for children today.
This is precisely what the author, Phil Earle, has done in his novel When The Sky Falls. The book is inspired by a true story a family member had told him and, after asking himself a series of ‘What if..?’ questions, this captivating tale set during World War II was born.
In this teaching sequence, perfect for work linked to Remembrance Day, or for any time of the year, children will discuss stories that they may have heard from friends or families and plan their own writing based on these. They will also explore how the author has created atmosphere and developed characters, completing worksheets and applying these ideas in their own writing.
This resource pack, perfect for work linked to Remembrance Day, or for any time of the year, supports children to discuss stories that they may have heard from friends or families and plan their own writing based on these. They will also explore how the author has created atmosphere and developed characters, applying these ideas in their own writing. It includes teacher notes, a PowerPoint, worksheets and beautifully designed elements for a working wall, and has been exclusively created to be used with episode 21 of the Author In Your Classroom podcast – a virtual ‘author visit’ you can share with children whenever you like, absolutely free!
Find resources for Key Stages 1, 2 and 3, including Remembrance Book Club, based on Now or Never by Bali Ray, for which there is also an Author in Your Classroom episode and resource pack - as well as further remembrance resources developed by the National Literacy Trust with the Royal British Legion - at literacytrust.org.uk/resources/remembrance-book-club
This resource pack includes:
- Teacher notes
- PowerPoint
- Extract from When The Sky Falls
- Planning sheets 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Themed writing paper
- Working wall images and quotes
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