A fable is a short story, typically with animals as characters conveying a moral.

A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.

To convey means to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly.

A community is a group of people who come together, support each other, and share common interests or goals.

Exploring and engaging with themes in 'Greenling’

English

In 'Greenling’, pupils discussed the power of nature and its importance. In ’Blackberry Blue’, pupils will discuss how nature is central to the plot.

In 'The Wild Robot’, pupils discussed the theme of identify and belonging. In ’Greenling’, pupil will also discuss the themes of identity and belonging and will draw comparisons between the characters.

'Greenling': reading

a short story, typically with animals as characters conveying a moral

a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.

to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly

Match the following keywords to their definitions.

 the point-of-view or position from which the reader reads

a group of people who come together and share in common goals or interests

 the way people communicate their thoughts, feelings & emotions through movement

Which of the following are possible themes within 'Greenling'?

True or False? Taking greater care of the environment could be a moral message a reader gets from the text, ‘Greenling’.

through Mrs. Barleycorn's atttude and opinion

through the rewilding of the Barleycorn's local environment

through Mr. Barleycorn's attitude and opinion

How might the theme of **change and transformation** be conveyed in the text?

The train passengers and local people learn to work together.

The Greenling reintroduces creatures and plants from the natural world.

The local community learn to accept the Greenling.

How might the theme of **the wild** be conveyed in the text?

a reader’s opinions, ideas or feelings about a text

the ability to understand other people's feelings and points of view

the way an author describes and develops the traits of a character in a text

True or False? The Greenling has a positive effect on the Barleycorns and their local community.

Lucas reuses water bottles to reduce waste

Aisha buys second-hand clothes to reduce consumption

Andeep uses solar panels for renewable energy

Which of the following examples demonstrate **sustainability**?

Dara McAnulty: A Wild Child's Book of Birds

Based on their front covers and titles, which of the following texts could link to 'Greenling's themes around the environment?

the point in the narrative where the excitement reaches its highest point

the way an author and illustrator describe and develop character traits

a lesson that can be learnt from a story or experience

Starter Quiz