Nanna

Title	Nanna
Author	Pamela Freeman
Published by	Koala Books
Date of Publication	1997

Teaching Resources

There are a few sensitive issues in this book. The death of a parent; difficult relationships between a parent and grandparent; a 'happy ending' which does not leave everyone feeling good about each other. I have found, in reading the book to kids, that they are less upset by these than teachers expect them to be, although if there has been a parental death in one of the student's families then obviously care must be taken.

Narrative structure and expectations can be explored by stopping the reading just before Alex says, 'For a minute I felt sorry...' (page 54) and asking children what they think will happen now and why they think that. Then read on and discuss what actually does happen. Follow with an activity where the children write alternative endings for stories they know - including Nanna, if they want. For example, Cinderella says, 'No' to the prince, leaves home and makes a career for herself; the Three Bears chase Goldilocks through the forest and make friends with her; the Big Bad Wolf catches cold and can't huff and puff and blow the house down... and so on.
Looking at things from someone else's point of view: tell Nanna's story and what she thinks happened.
The game of lawn bowls is one of the most popular in Australia and is now an Olympic sport. How did it start, how many people play it, what skills do you need to become a champion bowler? While information can be found on-line, this is a good opportunity to encourage links with the local community and invite someone from the local bowling club to come and demonstrate for the children.
Mum is 'always going on diets', but Alex doesn't think she is fat. What is 'overweight', what is 'obese', what is 'fat'? The Australian government website http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Children__Young_People_and_Obesity has a range of articles and resources to help you investigate this topic.
Nanna brings many frilly pillows and knick-knacks to the house so that she can have a bedroom decorated the way she likes best. Students can draw, paint or make a model of the bedroom they would like to have.