Inspired by: The Emperor of Absurdia - Week 5

In an engaging lesson inspired by "The Emperor of Absurdia" by Chris Riddell, students delve into the significance of language, structure, and presentation in conveying meaning. The activity centers around a particular moment in the story where the protagonist escapes a dragon and returns to the safety of the Wardrobe Monster's abode. As he drifts off to sleep, the narrative describes the emergence of "a big buttercup moon" in the sky. This prompts a discussion on why Riddell might have chosen such a phrase and encourages students to explore alternative descriptions of the moon. They are provided with a list of words related to the moon's shape and colour, as well as reflective verbs, to craft their own unique sentences, thereby enhancing their understanding of descriptive language.

Building on this exploration of descriptive language, the lesson continues with a focus on Robert Louis Stevenson's poem "The Moon," which opens with the line "The moon has a face like the clock in the hall." Students are prompted to consider the comparison between the moon and different types of clocks, particularly the grandfather clock, and to discuss how the moon can be likened to such a timepiece. They are then encouraged to write an additional verse in the style of Stevenson's poem, contemplating other scenarios the moon might illuminate. This collaborative effort results in a class poem that can be published or performed. Additionally, students practice using the possessive apostrophe with singular nouns and explore the concept of dreams within the narrative, questioning the relationship between the Emperor's dream world and the boy's reality. The lesson concludes with an opportunity for students to share their thoughts and questions, deepening their comprehension and analytical skills.