Inspired by: Five Minutes Peace - Week 3

Inspired by the charming tale of a mother's quest for a brief respite, the 'Poor Mum' activity encourages children to explore the nuances of language and expression. The lesson focuses on understanding why certain words in Jill Murphy's story are emphasized with italics, particularly when the characters Lester, Laura, and the little one interact with their Mum. Students delve into the art of persuasion, reflecting on how they might emphasize words differently when trying to convince someone, much like the characters in the story. The activity also invites students to role-play an alternative scenario where Mum, instead of being patient, is visibly fed up with the interruptions during her bath time. They act out this scene, considering which words Mum might stress to convey her need for peace and what sign she might place on the bathroom door to ensure she is not disturbed.

The 'What Would Mum Say?' activity shifts the focus to Mum's perspective after the bustling morning. Students are encouraged to consider Mum's feelings during various events, such as the chaotic kitchen scene or the crowded bath time, and to express these emotions in a phone conversation with a friend. They use sequencing words like 'first', 'then', and 'finally' to structure their recount. In a role-play exercise, they become Mum, animatedly sharing her morning experiences over the phone, while their friend listens patiently. Additionally, the 'Supermum' activity explores compound words featured in the story, such as 'teapot' and 'cupboard', and challenges students to find more examples within the book and beyond. Lastly, the 'Laura' activity focuses on reading comprehension and strategies to overcome difficulties encountered while reading. Students are tasked with designing a 'What to do when you are stuck' reading poster, listing different methods to help them decode challenging text and continue reading smoothly.