Inspired by: Blodin The Beast - Week 6

Inspired by Michael Morpurgo's captivating storytelling, the educational activity invites Year 6 students to engage in a discussion about "Blodin The Beast," a book that offers a rich tapestry of words and pictures. The activity encourages participation in discussions about books read aloud in class, as well as those read independently, fostering the development of listening and conversational skills. Students are reminded of Morpurgo's impressive literary achievements, including multiple prestigious awards such as the Whitbread Children's Book Award and the Nestle Smarties Book Prize. The conversation then turns to "Blodin The Beast," prompting students to consider if it meets the criteria of an award-winning book and to reflect on their personal views as well as the opinions presented in four distinct book reviews. The task culminates with the students writing a comprehensive book review that encapsulates the diverse perspectives expressed by their peers.

Further enhancing the learning experience, the activity includes a book award ceremony role-play, where students imagine presenting an award to Michael Morpurgo or illustrator Christina Balit for "Blodin The Beast." They are encouraged to observe real-life award ceremonies, such as the Red House Children's Book Award, to understand the nuances of acceptance speeches. This exercise not only develops reading and presentation skills but also highlights the importance of tone, intonation, and volume in oral communication. Additionally, the lesson plan delves into grammar, specifically the use of possessive apostrophes with singular and plural nouns. Through the context of Hosea's victorious adventure, students explore the significance of apostrophe placement and its role in indicating possession, thereby reinforcing their understanding of English language conventions.