Inspired by: Tin Forest - Week 6

In an educational activity inspired by "The Tin Forest" by Helen Ward, students are encouraged to engage deeply with the text through questioning and reflection. The learning objective is to develop their ability to answer questions, a skill that is vital for comprehension and critical thinking. At the outset of the story, both the protagonist—an old man—and the students are brimming with questions. Upon completing the book, students revisit these initial inquiries, seeking to answer the fundamental questions of What, When, Why, How, Who, and Where, thus closing the loop on their understanding of the narrative and its themes.

Furthering their engagement with the story, students are prompted to articulate a personal response in a book review format. They are asked to contemplate what they would say to Helen Ward or Wayne Anderson about their favourite part of the book, explaining their choice and describing the emotions and memories it evoked. This reflective exercise not only allows students to express their opinions but also to explore the book's impact on them personally. Additionally, they are invited to speculate on the old man's future and to consider the author's message, evaluating the success of its delivery. As a final activity, students are encouraged to compose a letter to Helen Ward, offering a personal critique and expressing their thoughts and feelings about "The Tin Forest." This encourages them to synthesise their learning and provides an authentic writing opportunity.