This Full Unit Plan on When the River Runs Gold is a 3-week sequence, aimed at Year 5. This inspirational novel is rich with themes of fairness, equality, and environmental awareness, encouraging pupils to reflect deeply on justice, community, and our connection to the natural world. There are numerous cross-curricular opportunities, and in particular, the chance to be immersed in nature and experience the benefits this brings. There are many speaking and listening activities, and the children will write and deliver persuasive speeches collaboratively and then write a persuasive letter independently.

This Full Unit Plan on When the River Runs Gold follows the School Literacy Network (SLN) process: Read – Immerse – Analyse – Plan – Write – Revise – Share.

For this unit you will need a copy of the text ‘Where the River Runs Gold’ written by Sita Brahmachari, artwork by Evan Hollingdale, and published by Orion Children’s Books, ISBN: 978-1510105416.