The Explorer - Learning Sequence

The learning sequence for 'The Explorer' is a comprehensive unit overview spanning nine weeks, designed to immerse Year 6 students in the depths of the novel while enhancing their literary analysis and creative writing skills. In the initial weeks, students engage in activities such as using a word detective grid to decipher unfamiliar vocabulary and making predictions based on the book's front cover. They delve into the text, reading the first few chapters and exploring character impressions through their actions and dialogue. Activities include considering characters' thoughts and feelings, specifically Con and Fred, and analysing the rainforest's depiction using sensory language. Students are encouraged to write paragraphs reflecting the imagery created by the author and expand their vocabulary through various exercises, including a word wheel and noun phrase expansion.

As the weeks progress, the learning sequence delves deeper into character analysis, with students plotting emotions on graphs and writing diary entries from the perspectives of Fred and Con, highlighting their differing attitudes. The curriculum includes examining the author's descriptive techniques and the characters' reactions to events, fostering critical thinking and empathy. Further into the unit, students role-play, write in role, and partake in debates, allowing them to articulate their understanding of the characters' development and the story's themes. The sequence culminates with activities such as writing a newspaper article using active and passive voice, role-playing interviews, and reflecting on the novel's conclusion in the epilogue. Throughout, students are tasked with editing and redrafting their work, ensuring a focus on refining their writing skills alongside their comprehension and analytical abilities.