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-IDM019895

This report is about a local park in suburban Brisbane, which you can see in the background. How important do you think it is to show the subject of your story? Do you think the report would have had the same effect if it had been filmed in a studio and you couldn't see the park? Why do you think this?

• 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-IDM009354

This 3-minute film clip is from the ABC My Place series and is set in 1818. It is about the experiences of Liam, an escaped convict, and Charles, a young boy who assists Liam in his attempt to attain freedom. The topic of emancipation of convicts is explored within the downloadable learning activities. English activities ...

• TLF-IDM009346

This 3-minute film clip is from the ABC My Place series and tracks the fictional experiences of Johanna, a young girl in 1848 in Australia. There is an accompanying set of downloadable worksheets. One activity asks students to consider the ways in which houses in the 1840s reflected their owner's wealth and status. Another ...

• TLF-IDM009342

This 3-minute film clip is from the ABC My Place series and tracks the experiences of young boys Ben and Leck in 1858 in Australia. After foraging in the forest for plover's eggs, Ben competes with Leck to sell them to the local populace. There is an accompanying set of downloadable worksheets which focus on how characters ...

• TLF-IDA004963

In this lesson sequence, students consider the groups they belong to and how these groups contribute to their personal identity including understanding of the values and beliefs of others. They then consider the broader context of factors that influence the values and beliefs of these groups. Students further their understanding ...

• TLF-IDM020119

Language is like the flavour of a story. It helps relate your imagination to readers in a way they'll understand. But you have to add the right flavours; otherwise your story will be like a bad meal. Learn how to write what you want your readers to imagine and feel.

• TLF-IDM020663

How can drawings of characters give readers clues about who they are? What are some of the clues Leigh Hobbs gives us about Old Tom's character through his drawings of him? Do you have a character in your head that you've been thinking about for a while? As you draw or write about your character, remember what Leigh says ...

• TLF-IDM019892

Listen as Bianca McNeair shares the story of "The Buyungurra who didn't listen". This is a traditional story that Bianca's mother told her when she was growing up. Bianca uses words from the Malgana language, which is spoken in the area around Shark Bay in Western Australia.