English / Year 2 / Literature / Responding to literature

Curriculum content descriptions

Identify aspects of different types of literary texts that entertain, and give reasons for personal preferences (ACELT1590)

Elaborations
  • describing features of texts from different cultures including recurring language patterns, style of illustrations, elements of humour or drama, and identifying the features which give rise to their personal preferences
  • connecting the feelings and behaviours of animals in anthropomorphic stories with human emotions and relationships
  • drawing, writing and using digital technologies to capture and communicate favourite characters and events
General capabilities
  • Literacy Literacy
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and creative thinking
  • Personal and social capability Personal and social capability
ScOT terms

Personal responses,  Imaginative texts

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Interactive

Syllabus bites – responding to literature

A web page with information, teacher guides and resources on responding to texts. This resource supports the NSW English K-10 syllabus.

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The Snake and the Boy: Unit of work

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The Grumpy Lighthouse Keeper: Unit of work

This unit of work has been written to support the book The Grumpy Lighthouse Keeper. The book provides opportunities to explore themes of friendship, the impact of storms and moods and emotions as well as techniques such as poetic devices. This unit includes practical ideas for using this book in your classroom.

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The Emu Who Ran Through the Sky: Unit of work

This unit of work has been written to support the book The Emu Who Ran Through the Sky. The book is part of a series of books about the Bush Mob, a group of animals who work together to solve problems. These stories emphasise the value of respect for First Nations culture and country, as well as the importance of courage, ...

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Seasons and jobs on the farm

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Where the forest meets the sea: Teaching activities

Find a range of teaching ideas to support an in-depth exploration of the picture book ‘Where the forest meets the sea’.

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The Sweetest Egg of All: Unit of work

This unit of work has been written to support the book The Sweetest Egg of All. The book is part of a series of books about the Bush Mob, a group of animals who work together to solve problems. These stories emphasise respect, friendship, action, honesty, problem-solving and teamwork. The book provides opportunities to ...

Text

Faraway Places

This imaginative digital text is an illustrated rhyming poem for teachers to read aloud to students. It is about a girl who visits different and amazing places. The resource includes a teaching sequence related to the Big Six components of literacy development (oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary ...

Text

TrackSAFE Education Primary School Resources: Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 English

This webpage includes a 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 ...

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Tony Wilson's advice for new writers

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Andy Griffiths' tips for starting your story

Get some tips from Andy Griffiths on what to think about when you start to write a story. What does he say about plot? Why not take Andy's advice and start a story by thinking about something that has happened to you and then exaggerate it somehow. Concentrate on writing a short, dramatic moment by using lots of detail ...

Video

Sally Rippin on sculpting stories

Watch this clip to learn where Sally Rippin finds inspiration for her writing. What does she say about where story ideas come from? Sally talks about noting down ideas in a notebook and remembering how particular experiences made her feel. What does she say about turning ideas into stories? Why not try keeping a notebook ...

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Sustainability of a historic community garden

Discover the history of a local community garden and find out about some of its new sustainable features. View this clip called 'Sustainability in Edinburgh', created by young reporters from North Fitzroy Primary School, Victoria. The clip was developed as part of the ABC Splash Live 'Making the news!' project, which featured ...

Video

How to make a story interesting

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What's With Poetry?, Ch 2: Rhyme time

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Andy Griffiths on writing songs and stories

What's the difference between writing song lyrics and writing a story? Andy Griffiths thinks they are quite similar. Why does he think this? How important is rhythm in Andy's stories? Next time you write a story, try reading it out loud and listen for the rhythm of the words. Can you make your story's rhythm sound even better?

Video

Changing ideas and discovering themes in stories

Have you ever started out with an idea for a story and later realised you wanted to change it? You're not the only one! In fact, changing your mind is all part of the process of writing. Listen as author Tony Wilson explains how the idea for his book 'The Cow Tripped over the Moon' changed over time. What was his initial ...

Video

A school's history of sustainability

Discover the history of sustainability at a local primary school as two generations of past students reflect on their time at the school. View this clip called 'The past of our present', created by young reporters from North Fitzroy Primary School, Victoria. The clip was developed as part of the ABC Splash Live 'Making ...