Tales from the Arabian Nights - Learning Sequence

The learning sequence for 'Tales from the Arabian Nights' is a comprehensive unit overview spanning six weeks, designed to immerse Year 6 students in the rich tapestry of these classic stories. In the first three weeks, the sequence adopts a multi-faceted approach to exploring the text, starting with vocabulary development through a word detective grid. Students delve into the settings and characters, such as the sultan and Scheherazade, using evidence to discuss and summarise their traits and motivations. They hypothesise Scheherazade's plan to avoid her impending fate and brainstorm captivating stories to maintain the sultan's interest. The unit also incorporates historical context by researching life in 7th-century Baghdad, enhancing the students' understanding of the narrative backdrop.

Moving into the subsequent weeks, the focus shifts to the adventurous character of Sinbad. Students engage with his voyages through various mediums, including film and different textual versions, to map out the plot and examine Sinbad's decisions and actions. They engage in critical thinking by evaluating the believability of his encounters and the challenges he faces, supported by evidence from the text. In the latter part of the sequence, the learning expands to include other stories from the Arabian Nights, such as Ali Baba and Aladdin. Students continue their historical exploration of Islamic society in AD 600 and apply their research to create informative texts. The unit concludes with a creative foray into poetry, where students read, analyse, and write their own verses, drawing parallels between the themes of the stories and their personal experiences of transitioning to the next stage of their education.