A River

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Stimulate and Generate = This usually starts with a hook to interest the class where the class realise who they are going to write for so they have a clear purpose and audience. Activities can include reading excellent model texts, drama or researching more about the author or the content of the book. How did it feel to be bobbing in an imaginary boat, surrounded by fish? Could you keep an imaginary boat in your mind and go there when you need some peace and quiet? And it doesn't really matter because Marc Martin puts that character and us on boat on that river and as we float along we get to view dramatic changes of scenery. We leave the city and find farmland, for example, but not before we see the less desirable aspects of the city. Open a large cardboard box so that it lies flat, then paint night-time jungle scenes over the inside surface, looking at the book for inspiration and using the darker paint shades you’ve mixed yourselves. How many eyes can you count? Can you identify the creatures? Find out about nocturnal jungle animals.

A River' is true testament to that as we pored over each spread. In this, his most recent picture book, 'A River' follows a young girl who imagines herself floating along a river, as she gazes out of her window.... From Martin's stunning representation of the patchwork fields to the hubbub of the bustling city, each unfurling spread is dramatically different from its predecessor. The end written piece is an opportunity to generate a great piece of writing as there is a well-structured plan to support your less able pupils. My class love this unit as they are engaged by the story of how brave the salmon are though some of the class always choose to write a poem where their salmon does not make it! I have included all the resources including worksheets, WAGOLL and displays so you can start using this straight away. The learning objectives for this unit are; layering watercolour washes onto paper, then cutting shapes to create boulders, patchwork fields or rolling hills

Teaching about the latest events?

The text of A RIVER is simple, but the artwork and rich panoramas will allow you to use this book to discuss imagination, art style, and the environment with children. Something as simple as pointing out that you've gone with the main character on a journey without leaving the room can be a new consideration for the child of the right age. Look closely at the artwork in this book. What techniques do you think Marc Martin used to create it? Could you use any of these techniques to help you create a River-style giant frieze for a corridor or shared space? There are many ways to tie into science units. There is everything from the importance of rivers, to pollution and the Water lifecycle that are relevant.

If you had a little silver boat of your own, what would it be like? Describe your boat, then imagine you’re building it. What will you do, and which tools will you use? Mime actions like sawing planks and planing them; lifting them and hammering nails; dropping a heavy mast into place and tying a sail to it…. Ask children to lie comfortably with their eyes closed and pretend they’re in a silver boat that’s floating on a calm blue sea. Describe the gentle breeze and the warmth of the sun, then ask them to imagine looking over the side of the boat and seeing lots of fish. What do the fish look like and how are they moving? What colours, shapes and patterns do children notice? A perfect introduction for a younger reader to the world around us and it's dramatic landscapes.And don't forget to keep an eye out for the boat and our intrepid adventurer as you follow the undulating river. Look closely at each of the pictures showing the little boat. What do you think the girl can see, hear, smell and taste while she's sailing along the river?

Keep in touch

When your boat’s ready, prepare to sail down river. Where are you heading and what happens along the way? Mime your actions and show your reactions to events as they unfold. Use your experiences to fuel creative writing – from descriptions of the boats to stories about your adventures. What happens to a single water droplet when it’s alone? Observe one through a magnifier and talk about it. Try tipping the droplet to see what happens, then leave it alone. How long does it take to disappear? Where has it gone? How long does it take a water droplet to evaporate from your outdoor yard or indoor floor? Set up an investigation to time droplets in different locations.