Inspired by: Five Minutes Peace - Week 1

Inspired by the charming chaos of the Large family from "Five Minutes' Peace," students are learning to construct sentences in various forms: statements, questions, exclamations, and commands. They start by examining an illustration that depicts Lester, Laura, and the little one trailing behind their mum, each with an object that reveals something about their character. The activity encourages students to write statements about each character, such as "Lester is wearing blue and white striped pyjamas." They then explore how to transform these statements into questions, pondering the reasons behind Lester's attire and the tune he might be playing on his recorder. In pairs, students engage in a role-play exercise, asking and answering questions in character, and they experiment with turning their statements into commands, like "Lester, stop playing the recorder." This exercise not only hones their grammatical skills but also deepens their understanding of the characters.

The story continues in the kitchen, where Mum encounters a mess created by her children. Students are prompted to empathise with Mum and discuss her possible feelings and reactions to the chaotic scene. They explore the meaning behind phrases like "This was not a pleasant sight," and debate whether the children's actions were naughty or accidental. In doing so, they reflect on their own experiences with messes and the emotions that come with being reprimanded. The lesson progresses with students writing instructions that Mum might give to her children to help tidy up, using clear and precise commands. This activity not only fosters comprehension of the narrative but also encourages students to think about sequence and clarity in instructional writing.