Inspired by: Harry and the Jaggedy Daggers - Week 1

In the charming world of Bottlenose Bay, as depicted in the map from "Harry and the Jaggedy Daggers," children are encouraged to engage in thoughtful discussions about the story's setting. The activity centers around identifying Harry's residence, the Old Boathouse, which is situated on the Winding River, adjacent to the musically named building Fiddle-De-Dee. Curiosity is sparked as children ponder about the inhabitants or workers of the other whimsical buildings and dwellings. They are invited to express their preferences on where they would like to live and consider the advantages of residing near the mysterious Custard Caves. The task also involves locating the Chandlers Store, where Maggie Magpie is employed, and discussing its assortment of goods and strategic placement. Additionally, children practice giving and following directions to various landmarks, enhancing their geographical and mathematical skills.

Delving into the narrative aspect, the activity invites children to explore the creative abode of Harry, the harbour mouse. His house, nestled between constructions made from a handbag and a fiddle, is crafted from an assortment of intriguing objects. Through observation and listing, children identify items like cotton reels and tin can pulls, which serve as components of Harry's unique home. This examination leads to imaginative considerations about the interior of the house, prompting children to design the furnishings for Harry's kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, scaled to his diminutive size. The activity culminates in writing a detailed description of Harry's house, fostering creativity and narrative skills. Children also learn about paragraph structure by grouping related facts about Bottlenose Bay and writing cohesive paragraphs, further enhancing their understanding of written communication.