Outcomes:
Instructions, persuasion, recount (diary entry)
Main Outcome:
Discussion text
Length:
15 sessions, 3 weeks
Overview and Outcomes:
The class receives an envelope through the post containing only an Origami Yoda model and a message that simply reads: “The future, how much we can predict?” The children will go on to make predictions about what or who they think the origami creature is, before revealing its origins. They will then discuss in more length events that they have been able to predict in their own lives, e.g. ‘taking their SATs tests’ and things they have had no control over and have been surprised by, e.g. ‘baby brother being born’. There will be an opportunity to explore the history and meaning of origami and as a simple written outcome, children will write a short set of instructions for How to Make an Origami Yoda. A subsequent letter will arrive from the books’ central character and narrator, including the text itself, explained as a “collection of case notes to solve the problem of whether the future can be predicted” and the challenge of writing a discussion text to answer the question of whether we can predict the future, using the case notes from the book as evidence. As the book is read, children will record ‘for and against’ notes, which will be develop their note-taking skills and support evidence-gathering. As the text progresses, children will also explore the form of diary writing, identifying the different styles of the children presenting the case notes. The children will write their own diary-entries from the point of view of Dwight, whose story is less-explored in the book. The final extended outcome will culminate in a longer discussion text, using the initial question from Yoda, “The future, how much can we predict?” It will be written up as a case for Tommy and put in a book to present to him to draw a final conclusion. There will be opportunities for embedded grammar work throughout.
Synopsis of Text:
Tommy and his classmates narrate this middle grade mystery, each recounting an episode in which they received wise advice from a finger puppet of Yoda, perpetually worn on the finger of their classmate, Dwight, a loser who can't get anything right. Is this puppet really Yoda? Or is Dwight a bit more together than he seems?
Links:
Future, friendships
