Inspired by: Toys in Space - Week 5

In the heartwarming world of "Toys in Space", a whimsical character named Hoctopize is the guardian of the Room of a Thousand Lost Toys, a place where forgotten playthings await their return to loving arms. Children are invited to engage in a creative writing activity where they compose heartfelt letters to Hoctopize, appealing for assistance in reuniting with their cherished toys. The task encourages children to organise their writing around the central theme of loss and reunion, while carefully selecting nouns and pronouns to maintain clarity and cohesion throughout their letters. The lesson not only fosters empathy as students imagine the plight of both the toys and their owners, but also reinforces the importance of structured writing and descriptive language.

Following the theme of connection and detail, another activity invites children to design labels for the toys in Hoctopize's care. These labels, which serve as miniature biographies, include the date the toy was found, a vivid description, the location where it was discovered, and physical attributes such as height, weight, and age. This exercise provides an opportunity to integrate maths skills, as children learn to plot the toys' locations on a local map, using precise language to pinpoint exact addresses. Additionally, the activity of crafting a news report about the toys parachuting back to Earth encourages children to explore journalistic writing, using headings and sub-headings, and to present their stories with the flair of a news anchor, further enhancing their presentation and organisational skills.