Inspired by: How Dinosaurs Really Work - Week 6

The 'Ballad Bonanza Poetry Slam' is an engaging classroom activity that aims to cultivate an appreciation for poetry and to hone presentation skills among Year 6 students. The event is shaped as a formal gathering where a selection of poems, including those about dinosaurs and a ballad dedicated to Mary Anning, are presented to an audience, potentially including parents. To set the right tone, students are tasked with crafting a formal invitation and preparing introductions for each poem. The activity offers a platform to explore and compare formal and informal language, both in writing and speech, as students learn to welcome the audience, introduce the poetry, and conclude the event with grace and confidence.

In the 'Do Dinosaurs Still Exist?' segment, students engage in thought-provoking discussions and debates around the existence of dinosaurs in the modern world. Drawing inspiration from the public's long-held fascination with living dinosaurs, as depicted in Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World" and popular films, students delve into the mystery of the Mokele-Mbembe—a creature from Central African folklore that some believe to be a surviving dinosaur. Through researching articles and discussing with peers, students critically evaluate evidence and share their reasoned justifications, challenging each other's views courteously. This activity not only stimulates critical thinking but also encourages respectful discourse on controversial topics.