a big idea, topic or message that appears in a story

the changes in global temperatures and weather patterns

the feeling of being safe and protected within an environment or group

the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

The theme of belonging in 'Leaf'

English

In this unit, pupils developed their personal responses to texts, expressing opinions and listening to others. In 'Reading for Pleasure in Year 3', pupils will build on this by starting to learn about how to choose texts for themselves.

In 'Grandad's Island', pupils continued to develop their personal responses to key themes. In 'Leaf', pupils will build on this by considering others in their responses and actions they could take to support others.

'Leaf': book club

It is about a polar bear who learns to live in a forest.

It is about a polar bear who is displaced due to climate change.

It is about a polar bear that uses leaves to try and fly.

Which statement is the best summary of the story 'Leaf'?

friendship, good vs evil, environment and celebrations

environment, climate change, belonging and kindness

belonging, good vs evil, family and adventure

What are the key themes explored in the story of 'Leaf'?

the surroundings or conditions in which a living thing lives

the feeling of being safe and protected in an environment

the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate

Match the vocabulary to the correct definition.

They listen to his story and show him empathy.

They promise to share his story with others and fly him home.

How do the other creatures in the story support Leaf and increase his sense of belonging?

It is important not to judge somebody because they are different.

You should always be scared of people who seem different to you.

It is important to stick with the group you know.

What lesson can we learn from how the other creatures treated Leaf?

what it means to belong and how we can support others in belonging

how important it is to tackle climate change and protect the environment

how to stay away from things that scare us

What are we, as the readers, encouraged to reflect on through reading the story of 'Leaf'?

Leaf jumps off a cliff, flies into the sea and washes up on the shore.

Leaf drifts across the sea and ends up far away from home in a forest.

What happens at the **beginning** of the story 'Leaf'?

What happens at the **end** of the story 'Leaf'?

about the impact that climate change is having on animals

not to judge somebody by their appearance

that polar bears and crows can't be friends

Starter Quiz