KS: Upper KS2
Year Group: Year 6
Literary Theme: Enterprise & Activism
Author(s): Ellis Weiner
This is a three-session spelling seed for the book The Templeton Twins by Ellis Weiner. Below is the coverage from Appendix 1 of the National Curriculum 2014.
Spelling Seeds have been designed to complement Writing Roots by providing weekly, contextualised sequences of sessions for the teaching of spelling that include open-ended investigations and opportunities to practise and apply within meaningful and purposeful contexts, linked (where relevant) to other areas of the curriculum and a suggestion of how to extend the investigation into home learning.
There is a Spelling Seed session for every week of the associated Writing Root.
accompany, competition, especially, profession, marvellous
Endings which sound like /ʃəl/(–cial or –tial)
Words ending in –ant, –ance/–ancy
A Writing Root is available for The Templeton Twins Have an Idea.
Character analysis, opposing diary entries, informal letter, own chapter
Own version adventure narrative
15 sessions, 3 weeks
The children will receive recording from an American professor, leaving a message for the children (video or audio) explaining that the class will be receiving a prototype of a new invention through the post. He will tell them that his inventions are under threat from a saboteur and that he has been receiving threats, because they are so valuable, developed in his laboratory under top-secret conditions. Just before one lunchtime, a large, sealed box will arrive, posted from America; it contains a prototype of a new invention from a famous American professor. After lunch, the class will come back to find the box opened and empty. The children will explore all possibilities for what has happened - why would someone take an invention, where could it have gone etc. The teacher shows children a ‘Wanted’ poster found this morning which includes a description of Dean D. Dean and information to contact “The Templeton Twins” with any information. By exploring the text in depth the children become familiar with the role of the ‘narrator’ and write a short piece at the end of the week 2, extending the book and imitating the voice of the narrator who then invites them to be their own narrator. After this, the children go on to look at twins and invent their own twin. After planning and inventing they go on to write own twin story, based on ideas from the TTs and the story structure. They will include features of adventure/mystery stories, e.g. introduction, build up suspense, problem, resolution, and conclusion, ensuring they using conjunctions that express time to move the story on.
This debut novel has a fast-paced plot, clever heroes, evil (albeit buffoonish) villains, a sly sense of humour and is filled with puns, word games, puzzles and even a recipe for meatloaf. Illustrations by internationally acclaimed artist Jeremy Holmes give the book even more kid appeal and makes the book a visual stand-out.
Inventions, adventure
Date written: July 2012
View The Templeton Twins Have an Idea Writing Root
