Inspired by: The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate - Week 5

In a captivating learning session inspired by "The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate," students explore the multifaceted nature of the sea through poetry. The activity begins by contrasting a gentle sea that playfully tickles the feet of a little man with the more formidable aspects of the ocean. Celia Warren's poem "The Beastly Invitation" personifies the sea as a wild beast, with vivid imagery of roaring waves and pleading tides. The poem's rich language paints a picture of a sea that is both powerful and beckoning, with a heart that is blue and a voice that is as tumultuous as it is inviting. Students are encouraged to reflect on how this portrayal differs from the calm sea experienced by the little man, identifying specific words that evoke the sea's beastly nature and considering the tone and voice appropriate for reading the poem aloud.

The second activity delves into the transformation of the character known as the little man, who by the story's end is revealed as Sailor Sam. Through the course of the tale, Sam undergoes a profound metamorphosis, not only in his outward appearance but also in his perceptions of the sea and his own personality. Students are tasked with comparing the beginning and end of the story, charting the changes in Sam's relationship with the sea and his own identity. They are then prompted to imagine what Sailor Sam might say about the sea, reflecting on how his experiences have shaped his thoughts and feelings. This exercise, drawing on inference skills, allows students to engage deeply with the character's journey from a land-bound man to a sailor in tune with the ocean's call.