A Writing Root for Winter’s Child

Outcomes:

Descriptive poems, postcards (recount), dialogue, setting descriptions as a letter, retellings

Main Outcome:

Fantasy story sequel

Length:

15 sessions, 3 weeks

Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root for Winter’s Child by Angela McAllister, in which children explore and are immersed in the theme of the story, making predictions about what might happen if you are not careful what you wish for. Children continue to explore the themes and language of the text, particularly identifying noun phrases and prepositional phrases and how they are used to create images. Children go on to predict what might happen after the story, as it becomes spring, and write their own simple sequel, applying the grammatical skills learnt.

Synopsis of Text:

When Tom wishes winter would never end, he meets another boy who shares his love of snow and ice. Playing together every day, Tom hardly notices that spring doesn't come - until he realises the terrible effect of unending winter is having on the countryside and his sick grandma. His friend is Winter's child, and for the seasons to go on the friends must say goodbye until next year.

Text Rationale:

Created by award-winning author-illustrator due Angela McAllister and Grahame Baker-Smith, Winter’s Child is an enchanting story filled with rich language and dilemmas to ponder.  The magical, wintry illustrations will pique children’s imaginations and generate many questions around the influences of natural vs. human nature. The cyclical nature of the story provides the perfect opportunity to think beyond the ending and also creates links with the science, geography and art curriculums.

Links and themes:

Winter, snow, Christmas, friendship, compassion, being careful what you wish for, making sacrifices

Date written: August 2016        Updated: September 2019