Inspired by: Meerkat Mail - Week 3

Inspired by the charming tale of 'Meerkat Mail' by Emily Gravett, students embark on a journey through poetry, exploring the concept of wanderlust and the allure of adventure. The lesson begins with a discussion about the phrase "itchy feet," a metaphor for the desire to travel, as seen through the character Sunny's perspective. Students are encouraged to consider whether this itch is literal or figurative before delving into 'The Ant Explorer,' a poem by C.J. Dennis that narrates the adventures of a sugar ant. The class is tasked with drawing parallels between the ant's explorations and Sunny's escapades in the Kalahari Desert, identifying common themes in their experiences, emotions, and actions. To enrich their understanding, they may watch a performance of the poem, gaining insights into how delivery can enhance the storytelling.

Building on their poetic exploration, students are then challenged to channel their inner wordsmiths by crafting their own version of Sunny's poem, using 'The Ant Explorer' as a template. They will reflect on key moments of Sunny's journey to weave into their narrative before sharing and evaluating their creations with peers. The focus shifts to the power of adverbs in the next activity, where learners dissect how the addition of words like 'most' can amplify the meaning of a sentence. They will examine the use of adverbs within 'Meerkat Mail,' understanding why Gravett frequently employs modifiers such as 'very' and 'too.' With the help of a thesaurus, they will find alternative adverbs to add emphasis, culminating in the composition of Sunny's heartfelt 'thank-you' speech, rich with adverbial enhancements that convey his joy and gratitude for being home.