A Writing Root for Weslandia

Outcomes:

Retelling, character description, book review

Main Outcome:

Non-chronological report

Length:

15 sessions, 3 weeks

Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root based around the book Weslandia by Paul Fleischman. It begins with children creating a shelter for their own civilisation, as a hook to create engagement with the text. The first part then continues with children making predictions, describing Wesley’s character and eventually retelling the story in their own words. In the second part, children begin by creating a non-chronological report, published as a brochure for Weslandia itself, using planning models and information from and inferred from the text. In the final part, children create their own civilisation, based on Weslandia. Grammar and spelling objectives are embedded throughout.

Synopsis of Text:

Enter the witty, intriguing world of Weslandia! Now that school is over, Wesley needs a summer project. He’s learned that each civilisation needs a staple food crop, so he decides to sow a garden and start his own - civilization, that is. He turns over a plot of earth, and plants begin to grow. They soon tower above him and bear a curious-looking fruit. As Wesley experiments, he finds that the plant will provide food, clothing, shelter, and even recreation. It isn’t long before his neighbors and classmates develop more than an idle curiosity about Wesley - and exactly how he is spending his summer vacation.

Text Rationale:

This is a picture book which encourages inference and has huge potential for relevant links across the curriculum, including to science, PSHE, DT and geography. It is a short story with a tangible dilemma which children can easily relate to.  The story can be used to explore connections to wider society and provides a solid platform for exploring life cycles and conservation.  

Links and themes:

Bullying, being yourself, difference, civilisations, inner-confidence

Date written: August 2016