The Enchanted Forest

Project Aim To use a Storyline approach to study the effects on early literacy

Enchanted Forest Project ran for 10 weeks October to December 2005 Primary 1 class Children had been in school for 8 weeks Average age in October 5 years 1 month

Success Criteria Original pupil learning outcomes stated in forward plans for language, based on 5-14 guidelines For reflective purposes, looked to the four purposes set out in the Curriculum for Excellence

Purposes of the curriculum Successful Learners with Enthusiasm and motivation for learning Determination to reach high standards of achievement Openness to new thinking and ideas Confident Individuals with Self respect A sense of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing Secure values and beliefs Ambition Responsible Citizens with Respect for others Commitment to participate responsibly in political, economic, social and cultural life Effective Contributors with An enterprising attitude Resilience Self-reliance

Bramble Berry Bramble Berry was the puppet character who gave the children various tasks as the story progressed.

Episode 1- Making Fairies The children were asked to make fairy collages. This led to the following findings: Talking with one another increased. Individuals ideas were valued. Boys gained confidence by sitting together and looking at each others creations.

Fairy Collages

Findings : Reporting Back The children were asked to report back to their peers about their work. This served as an initial assessment for listening and talking. This assessment was used as a baseline to measure later evidence against.

Episode 2 - Creating and Designing The children re-created their own enchanted forest for classroom display after a visit to a real forest.

Findings : Recreating Forest All art work by children. Children discussed and decided where plants and animals should go. Children helped with labelling. Labels encouraged sight vocabulary. Independent writing supported. Reading was a useful skill in the forest.

Bramble Berry and Primrose

Episode 3 - The Storm There was a storm in the woods and the children wanted to help the animals in trouble: Owl babies have lost their home Hedgehogs separated from parents Badger family washed downstream Children familiar with characters want to help

Findings : Storm Q & A The children were asked to build bridges and rafts to help the animals. This Q & A session on problem solving elicited: Confidence - We can do anything in here Total engagement Use of prior knowledge Learning from one another talking and listening

Findings : Problem Solving As a result of these activities the children showed that they were: independent learners enthusiastic enterprising open to new ideas

Findings : Reporting The children were asked to talk about their bridges and rafts. The video evidence shows: pride progress in talking. Childrens responses are now several sentences real purpose to tasks

Stories Then children were asked at the end of the storyline (which took 10 weeks) to create an illustrated storybook of their stories.

A storybook by a member of the class

Parents were invited to the school to read the stories with their children.

The primary 1 children were also able to share their stories with primary 7 buddies.

The primary 7 children recorded the childrens stories and the primary 1 children were then able to hear their stories.

Buddy Comments One of the comments from a primary 7 buddy: I thought Rebeccas story was really good, it had wonderful description. Even though it had drawings I got a clear picture in my head. I think her writing is very good for Primary 1. This made Rebecca feel happy, a lot happy.

Findings : Stories Some of the findings on the stories: Child centred Children engaged High standard of achievement Enthusiastic to share stories Real pride

What went well? Why? Overall very successful Child centred, engaged throughout Use of puppets very powerful Teaching of language successful in context Partnerships with buddies

What didnt go well ? Why ? Writing frames were boring. Viewed as filling in spaces for teacher Role play for boys limited by dressing up clothes Independent research from books very difficult

What did I learn from project? Children are so self reliant Very young children can be so in control of their own learning As a teacher have the confidence to let go

Advice for others. Keep it simple Children bring so much to it

What difference has the project made ? Learning is fun Confidence is high Expectation of high standards Independent learners Self respect

How do you know project made a difference ? Children talk about it all the time Progress in all areas of language – evidence gathered before and after project Evaluations by all those involved

Is the Project Sustainable ? 5-14 learning outcomes some children attaining Level B in talking and listening Look to the Curriculum for Excellence Principles for Curriculum Design

Challenge and enjoyment Breadth Progression Depth Personalisation and choice Coherence Relevance