A Planning Sequence for Flotsam

Outcomes:

Setting descriptions, narrative retelling, non- chronological reports, letters (informal)

Main Outcome:

Sequel (mystery narrative)

Length:

15 sessions, 3 weeks

Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week planning sequence for Flotsam by David Wiesner in which children dicsover a range of ‘Flotsam’ items (either after a visit to the seaside, or that have appeared in the classroom). One item is a camera that contains mysterious photographs that the children must investigate. These photos come from the book Flotsam by David Wiesner. Children go on to read and reflect on the book, making predictions and retelling orally and in writing. Later in the sequence, the children have the oppportunity to create their own sequel to the story, called Jetsam, where they write the story of the child who next finds the camera. As an optional additional study, this could also link to a study of the history of cameras and report writing about this and could include a historical link about the way cameras have changed the way history is recorded.

Synopsis of Text:

A bright, science-minded boy goes to the beach equipped to collect and examine flotsam-anything floating that has been washed ashore. Bottles, lost toys, small objects of every description are among his usual finds. But there's no way he could have prepared for one particular discovery: a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera, with its own secrets to share . . . and to keep.

Links:

Wordless, seasides, adventures, mystery, cameras, oceans, under the sea