For anyone new to this blog, the idea is simple - each day my boys (Joshua - 9 and Archie - 8) choose a stimulus that drives the learning. We hope that you enjoy the blog and can take some inspiration from what we love doing - making learning as engaging as possible!
Crayons
There are many books that just light up your life. This would be a never-ending discussion, but a family favourite of ours is The Day the Crayons Quit. So today's blog is all about having fun writing in the style of that wonderful book! We hope you enjoy!
English
Letter writing
Persuasive techniques
We began by rereading the book for sheer love and enjoyment. Even though we have read this hundreds of times, we still laughed at the crayons and enjoyed the many excuses and reasons they gave. It was also a joy to see both boys take such enjoyment in reading to their baby brother.
Having read the book, we then went back through it, looking for all the persuasive techniques that we could magpie. We made lists of words and turns of phrase to use in our own writing.
We then talked about what in our lives may be fed up with us. We brainstormed some ideas, including socks, pritsticks, pens, household appliances, cars, shoes, books...basically anything we use daily in our lives.
Finally, we chose the object we wanted to write from. I chose the fridge, Archie chose his teddy and Joshua chose a colouring pen.
Here are the letters we created...
The Day the Fridge Quit
Dear Jamie,
It is I, Fisher the fridge. Listen, we need a little chat. I know you value me above all the other appliances in the kitchen and admire my polished finish and sleek design, but I have not had a break in over three years and I am SHATTERED!
Everyone in the house has some down time. The lights sleep at night, the microwave dozes throughout the day...even the oven gets shut down when you go on holiday. What about me? You're killing me!
Also, why am I not capable of chilling your beer and wine? I love the fact that you rely on me to keep milk, yogurt, meat and vegetables cool and fresh - so why not the booze? It makes no sense! When I arrived, you made Phyllis the fridge redundant and bunged her in the garage. Now all I can hear is her jolly singing - apparently she has bubbles in her belly. It's not fair!
If you don't sort this out soon, I may just have to start going wrong. Trust me - I know how much you value that ice I lovingly make day in day out. Please think about my feelings; I cannot take it anymore!
Your chilly friend,
Fisher (p.s. Paykell says, "Hi!")
© Jamie Thomas 2020
The Day the Teddies Quit
Dear Archie,
It is me Sparkle the suspicious monkey. We need to talk. All the other monkeys and snowmen are getting fed up of you not hugging them. They are getting sadder and sadder - please do something soon!
Furthermore, your little brother is chucking us round the garden. I think he’s trying to destroy us. Anyway, can you not let your little brother get his grimy hands on us?
Is there any chance you can share the love? ManMan is KILLING ME! He keeps on talking about, “I’m the best teddy in the whole world.” And it is so annoying - he will never shut up!!!
Can you please tell Mr Bossy Boots to stop talking?
I’ll see you at bed time.
Your most glittery friend,
Suspicious Sparkles
The Day the Pens Quit
Dear Joshua,
It's me, blue pen. I know I'm your favourite pen but I'm getting knackered!
All year long I wear myself out colouring:
seas
sky
whales
raindrops
clouds
waves
puddles
and you are KILLING me! My brilliant blue is gone. Help me - I can't even move to the box!
Your tired friend,
Blue Pen
If you are enjoying this blog, please do share it and spread the word. Thank you to all of you who have got in touch and shared some of the outcomes from what you have tried - we love to hear from you.
Do tune in tomorrow where we exploring:
Dreams
My thanks to Pie Corbett, Julia Strong and the Talk for Writing team for inspiring many of the ideas explored in this blog.
This blog is copyright. All materials herein, texts and supporting resources are copyright to Jamie Thomas & Talk for Writing. They are to be used to support children/staff/parents in home-learning ONLY and not for commercial gain or for training or sharing widely, in their original form or any variations. They must also not be shared online or on any social media platforms without prior permission.