New
New
Year 2

Exploring vocabulary and illustrations in 'The Planet in a Pickle Jar'

I can understand the meaning behind the vocabulary and illustrations used in the story.

New
New
Year 2

Exploring vocabulary and illustrations in 'The Planet in a Pickle Jar'

I can understand the meaning behind the vocabulary and illustrations used in the story.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. ‘The Planet in a Pickle Jar’ contains precise vocabulary that is crucial for understanding the meaning behind the story.
  2. The grandma describes the planet as “fragile” and wants to “preserve” it so she creates a “sanctuary”.
  3. Special things are pickled in jars because pickling is a method of preservation.
  4. The story explores the preservation of the world’s natural elements, human elements and items/belongings.
  5. The illustrations communicate additional meaning behind the vocabulary in the story.

Keywords

  • Vocabulary - the words we know and use to communicate with others

  • Preserve - to maintain something in its original or existing state

  • Illustration - a picture in a book

Common misconception

Children may find it difficult to distinguish between natural elements, human elements and items/belongings that could be pickled.

Explore the difference and definition of each of these as well as acknowledging things that may fit into multiple categories. E.g. An avocado is naturally grown and there may be a special sensory experience or memory related to it.

Make sure you give the children the opportunity to re-read the text either as a class, independently or in pairs, supporting those who have not secured sufficient phonics knowledge.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of the 2023 Flying Eye Books edition of ‘The Planet in a Pickle Jar’ written and illustrated by Martin Stanev for this lesson.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
What type of text is 'The Planet in a Pickle Jar'?
non-fiction
Correct answer: fiction
information text
Q2.
True or false? There is only one main character in 'The Planet in a Pickle Jar'.
Correct Answer: false
Q3.
True or false? Martin Stanev is the author and illustrator of 'The Planet in a Pickle Jar'.
Correct Answer: true
Q4.
True or false? There is only one setting in 'The Planet in a Pickle Jar'.
Correct Answer: false
Q5.
Who is the narrator of the story?
the grandma
Correct answer: the grandchildren
the animals
Q6.
What did the grandma ask for the grandchildren's help with?
Correct answer: pickling the world's wonders and protecting the planet
helping her to walk better
helping her find her way home

6 Questions

Q1.
Select the statements that are true about ‘The Planet in a Pickle Jar’.
Correct answer: It is a narrative fiction text.
It is a non-fiction text about climate change.
Correct answer: The story contains important and meaningful messages about real life issues.
Axel Scheffler is the illustrator.
Correct answer: Martin Stanev is the author and illustrator of the story.
Q2.
What is vocabulary?
the author of a text
the pictures in a book
Correct answer: the words we know and use to communicate with others
Q3.
Match the vocabulary from the text to the correct definition.
Correct Answer:fragile,something which is easily damaged or destroyed

something which is easily damaged or destroyed

Correct Answer:preserve,to maintain something in its original or existing state

to maintain something in its original or existing state

Correct Answer:sanctuary,a place of refuge and protection

a place of refuge and protection

Q4.
True or false? Stories are only told through writing.
Correct Answer: false
Q5.
Look at the illustration on pages 15 and 16 of the story. Select the animals that are being preserved in a jar.
Correct answer: turtle
dog
cat
Correct answer: polar bear
Correct answer: panda
Q6.
True or false? The grandma only wants to preserve the world's natural items.
Correct Answer: False