English / Year 4 / Language / Expressing and developing ideas

• TLF-IDM020969

As a writer, what are some of the things you have to consider when writing a picture book as opposed to a novel? Think of the differences in format, layout and work processes. Why does Lili Wilkinson think it is harder, in some ways, to write a picture book? What makes it easier in other ways?

• TLF-IDM020133

Watch this clip to find out about the relationship between authors and illustrators. What role does the publisher play in this relationship? What does Sally Rippin say about the role of illustrations in books for young children?

• TLF-IDM018018

Poetry, plays, novels � and comic books? In the past, writers and illustrators of graphic novels have struggled to have their work taken seriously. More recently, the tides might just have turned. Judge for yourself whether this form of text deserves a little more respect than it's been getting. This clip is one in a series ...

• TLF-IDM017892

Animation is a relatively recent art form. Some might see it as strange to use animations to tell ancient stories, while others feel that this is a unique way to share such stories with a new generation. Watch this animation of 'Namorrodor' and explore your response to an old story told in a new way. Be aware that this ...

• TLF-IDM017822

What do you think of when you hear the word 'home'? For Shaye Fisher, it's a caravan at Portarlington, Victoria. Although Shaye's family only use the caravan on weekends and holidays, it is a constant among all the changes in her life. In this 'Heywire' clip, Shaye uses text, audio and visual images of the caravan park ...

• TLF-IDM017240

Have you ever had a sudden burst of inspiration and wondered where it came from? That was the case for Michael Leunig, well-known Australian cartoonist, writer, artist and philosopher. Sometimes ideas come to us in abstract ways, as symbols. In this audio clip, Leunig explains the symbolism behind his now famous 'direction-finding ...

• TLF-IDM021457

Ever wondered how illustrators create the images that end up on the pages of picture books? Watch as illustrator Dougal MacPherson describes the materials and techniques he used to create the images in Introducing Teddy. Why did he choose to work the way he did? Have a go at creating your own images using some of the techniques ...

• TLF-IDM025085

This unit of work focuses on developing student understanding of the importance of being track safe and the key message 'Stop, Look, Listen, Think'. It builds students' familiarity with the vocabulary and key concepts related to rail safety and provides differentiated activities for writers at different stages of development ...

• TLF-IDM017569

Do you know any songs about Australian animals? Listen to this song about sugar gliders performed by Don Spencer. Don sings a gentle song about a gentle character. Look at the features of the sugar gliders as they glide from tree-to-tree in the Australian bush.

• TLF-IDM019660

Read or listen to an interactive digital picture book with highlighting text and sound effects. Create your own multimodal story using painted backgrounds and characters from the book, objects. Add your own text or voice recording. This is one of a collection of eight interactive books for young readers. Free when reviewed 5/6/15.