The Promise - Learning Sequence

The learning sequence provided outlines a comprehensive unit overview focused on exploring the text 'The Promise' over a six-week period. In the first three weeks, students engage in a variety of activities aimed at deepening their understanding of the text and enhancing their language skills. They begin by using a 'word detective grid' to decipher unfamiliar words and discuss potential meanings behind the book's title and cover. The sequence includes examining illustrations, developing character profiles, and analysing language to create effects within the text. Students are encouraged to experiment with language features such as adjectives, adjectival phrases, and similes to create poetic sentences and list poems. They also work on drafting, evaluating, and proofreading their writing.

As the unit progresses into weeks four to six, the activities become more focused on language use and persuasive writing techniques. Students rewrite the opening of the story, using it as a model to develop their own descriptive language. They delve into the author Nicola Davies' reasons for writing 'The Promise' and watch related videos, using the 'word detective grid' to expand their vocabulary further. The sequence guides students in exploring persuasive language through different mediums, including flyers and websites. They gather examples of effective language use and build a toolkit for writing their own persuasive flyer, which they plan, draft, and publish, incorporating art and ICT where appropriate. The unit concludes with reading and performing a poem, analysing its message in comparison to 'The Promise', and discussing its effectiveness in conveying a message to the audience.