Inspired by: Where The Forest Meets The Sea - Week 6

In the imaginative world of "Where The Forest Meets The Sea," students delve into the rich tapestry of Aboriginal storytelling, exploring the mysterious Bunyip—a mythical creature said to inhabit Australian swamps and creeks. During a listening and discussion activity, children contemplate whether the whispers of the ancient Daintree Forest trees also reached the ears of Aboriginal children long ago. The boy in the story, wading through the creek, ponders the existence of Bunyips, stirring curiosity about the purpose behind such tales. Students are encouraged to investigate the origins of Aboriginal stories, focusing on how language paints the Bunyip as a fearsome being and the way sentence structure can evoke an atmosphere of dread. They are prompted to reflect on their own beliefs regarding these legendary creatures.

Building on the theme of the Bunyip, another activity, "Lurking In The Shadows," invites students to enhance their oral storytelling skills. Working in groups, they brainstorm and craft an additional narrative segment, imagining an encounter with the elusive Bunyip. Through rehearsal, they pay attention to the rhythm of the story, experimenting with sentence length to control the pacing and mood. Short, abrupt sentences bring a sense of urgency, while longer, descriptive ones foster tranquility. After sharing their stories, the learning shifts to focus on clarity and cohesion in writing. In the final activity, "Once There Was An Old Man," students are tasked with rewriting the story of "Where The Forest Meets The Sea" from a future perspective, using past tense and third person. This task encourages them to consider the enduring impact of cherished memories and the importance of preserving special places for future generations.