Freedom is to Fly!

In our recent writing lessons, Year 5 have been exploring a powerful new text, Freedom Bird by Jerdine Nolen. The story follows two children living through the American Civil War who were enslaved and forced to work on a plantation in cruel and unjust conditions.

We began our unit by discussing the difference between a need and a want. The children then reflected on what they felt were the most important things in their own lives: clothes, love, sleep, water, family, food… and freedom. Unsurprisingly, it was incredibly difficult to rank them. This led to a thoughtful and moving discussion, as we realised that the children in our story had very little access to any of these basic needs.

Inspired by this, we decided to write poems exploring the idea of freedom. Using figurative language, the children produced some truly imaginative and heartfelt work. Here are just a few of their wonderful ideas:

• “Freedom is a colourful kite, dancing in the breeze.”

• “Freedom is an inviting armchair in front of a roaring fireplace.”

• “Freedom is a graceful gazelle gliding over the African plains.”

• “Freedom is a secluded island as the waves gently kiss the shore.”

The children absolutely loved this writing task, and their imaginations ran wild. We are so proud of their creativity, empathy, and thoughtfulness.

Well done, Year 5!