Inspired by: The Whisperer - Week 2

The curriculum for young learners delves into the exploration of literary themes and conventions through engaging activities. One such activity draws parallels between the story of Amber and Monty, the 'Love Cats' from "The Whisperer", and the time-honoured tale of "Romeo and Juliet". Students are encouraged to reflect on the scene where The Whisperer discovers the enamoured felines and compare it to the iconic balcony scene from Shakespeare's play, noting both similarities and differences. They are tasked with identifying common literary elements, such as the use of light as a metaphor for love and the clandestine meetings of the lovers. The exercise extends to a creative writing task where students reimagine the narrative of Amber and Monty in the vein of "Romeo and Juliet", allowing them to delve deeper into character development and plot construction.

Another activity within the learning plan is 'The Great Debate', which focuses on creating settings, characters, and plot while addressing themes of prejudice and equality. This task prompts students to consider the emotions of the rival families upon discovering Amber and Monty's forbidden love and the implications of the couple's banishment. The activity encourages discussion on various forms of prejudice, including racial, political, and religious discrimination. Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King's iconic "I Have A Dream" speech, students are guided to think about their own aspirations for a fair and equal world. They are then invited to write a speech from Monty's perspective, sharing his hopes and dreams for a harmonious future, thus combining narrative skills with social awareness and empathy.