English / Foundation / Literature / Literature and context

Curriculum content descriptions

Recognise that texts are created by authors who tell stories and share experiences that may be similar or different to students’ own experiences (ACELT1575)

Elaborations
  • recognising that there are storytellers in all cultures
  • viewing stories by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytellers from online sources
  • comparing experiences depicted in stories with students’ own
  • engaging with texts that reflect the social and cultural groups to which students belong
General capabilities
  • Literacy Literacy
  • Personal and social capability Personal and social capability
  • Ethical understanding Ethical understanding
ScOT terms

Text structure,  Text types

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

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 ...

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.

Video

The Kaangkan Brothers

This animation of a contemporary story created by primary school children from the Pompuraaw community in Far North Queensland. The story is told in English language and a transcript of the story is provided

Text

MoneySmart: Ava makes a difference

This is a digital big book about how a young girl makes and sells pancakes as part of a class fundraising event to help a family whose house has burnt down, and how she learns the importance of helping people in need. Developed as part of the MoneySmart Teacher Package, the story is suitable for children from Foundation ...

Video

The journey to Injinoo

This animation of a contemporary story created by primary school children from the Northern Peninsula Area State College in Far North Queensland. The story is told in English language, a glossary of Aboriginal words and a transcript of the story is provided.

Text

Sea Country: Unit of work

This unit of work has been written to support the book Sea Country. In this picture book, Aunty Patsy Cameron shares the stories and traditions from her family’s seasonal life on Flinders Island in Tasmania. Find out when to pick ripe wild cherries, when the moon (mutton) birds fly home and how the nautilus shells smell ...

Text

Steve Goes to Carnival: Unit of work

This unit of work has been written to support the book Steve Goes to Carnival. The book celebrates the festivals and culture of Rio de Janeiro as seen through the adventures of Steve the gorilla. This unit includes practical ideas for using this book in your classroom.

Text

Thank you rain! Unit of work

This unit of work has been written to support the book Thank you rain! The book celebrates the new life and sense of renewal that comes with rain. Themes of weather, the natural environment and gratitude form part of the book. This unit includes practical ideas for using this book in your classroom.

Text

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, ...

Text

The Old Frangipani Tree at Flying Fish Point: Unit of work

This unit of work has been written to support the book The Old Frangipani Tree at Flying Fish Point. The book is an encouraging tale of overcoming the social expectations that sometimes hold us back from success. Themes include the importance of courage, confidence, family and community. This unit includes practical ideas ...

Text

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

Wandihnu and the Old Dugong: Unit of work

This unit of work has been written to support the book Wandihnu and the Old Dugong. The book is a contemporary story about a young girl who has grown up in the city and who is to return to Badu Island to stay with her aka (grandmother). It is time for her to learn about the customs and culture of her people who come from ...

Text

The Toast Tree: Unit of work

This unit of work has been written to support the book The Toast Tree. The book is about the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. It explores themes relevant to discussions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It emphasises the importance of storytelling and respect for nature, and ...

Video

Storyline Online: Sophie's masterpiece by Eileen Spinelli

Sophie's no ordinary house spider. She's an artist; and every web she spins is more wondrous than the one before. But don't mention that to the guests at Beekman's Boardinghouse, because they don't like spiders. This series of videos features illustrated stories read aloud by well-known US based actors supported by the ...

Video

Storyline Online: Harry the dirty dog by Gene Zion

Harry is a white dog with black spots who loves everything…except baths. So one day before bath time, Harry runs away.This series of videos features illustrated stories read aloud by well-known US based actors supported by the illustrations. Each book is supplemented with by guides for teachers and parents, aiming to strengthen ...

Interactive

Talking dino - app for iPad

This is an iPad app. Design a talking dinosaur to present at show and tell. Create your dinosaur by selecting from a range of elements such as mood, size and colour. Choose a voice and background picture for your dinosaur. Decide on a name that suits your talking dinosaur. Select a note about your dinosaur. Watch the animation. ...

Interactive

My design: talking dinosaur: create own text

Design a talking dinosaur to present at show and tell. Create your dinosaur by selecting from a range of elements such as mood, size and colour. Choose a voice and background picture for your dinosaur. Decide on a name that suits your talking dinosaur. Add a note about your dinosaur. Watch the animation. You can change ...

Interactive

Make it happen: plan a party

Prepare an invitation to your birthday party. Include a statement, photo and important details such as address, phone number and reply date. Choose items of food to buy for the party. Use a map to select shops where you can buy the food you need. Complete a photo album of the party by selecting captions to match the photos.

Interactive

My design: talking car: create own text

Design a talking car to present at show and tell. Create your car by selecting from a range of elements such as mood, size and colour. Choose a voice and background picture for your car. Decide on a name that suits your talking car. Add a note about your car. Watch the animation. You can change your design as many times ...