When Wilfrid hears his parents say that Miss Nancy has lost her memory, Wilfrid asks what a memory is. Everyone tells him something different. Invite a grandparent to the classroom. Before the visit ask students to work in groups to devise one question that could be asked of the visitor by the group leader on behalf of the group. Ask one or two students to prepare a welcome for the visitor and give a brief summary of the book Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge and what that book has made them think about. First sentence: There was once a small boy called Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge and what's more he wasn't very old either. His house was next door to an old people's home and he knew all the people who lived there. Has this person ever taught you anything special, such as how to make a favourite recipe or practice a certain skill?

Write on slips of paper animal names such as sheep, cow, goose, pig, horse, hen and so on. Place all slips into a container. Discuss characters and events in a range of literary texts and share personal responses to these texts, making connections with students’ own experiences (ACELT1582)In pairs, students discuss the circumstances when they were disappointed, sad and happy from their personal experiences. And so Wilfrid goes off and collects a box of treasures for Miss Nancy—a warm hen egg, a funny puppet, an old medal… Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge lives next door to a nursing home in which several of his good friends reside. Of course, his favorite is Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper, because she has four names just as he does. The only problem is Miss Nancy, who is 96, has “lost” her memory. Undaunted, Wilfred sets out to “find” Miss Nancy’s memory for her. Full-color illustrations. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox – eBook Details

When Wilfrid shares his precious collection with Miss Nancy, her memory is prompted and she begins to remember moments from long ago, early in her life. She tells Wilfrid all about them. There is only one word in Possum Magic that is written in capitals. Why do you think the word is written this way? Invite students to share any special experiences they have had with people much older than they are. Do students have grandparents or a favourite older neighbour or family friend? What makes this person special to them? Ask: During this time, students should write without stopping, responding to the prompt, “My Favorite Memory.” If a student is unable to think of anything else, he should write sentences like “I don’t know what to write” or “I can’t think of anything” until a thought begins. The pencil should never stop moving during the timed interval. Do a think-pair-share about a good memory at school this year. Return to a whole class group and allow students to share their partner’s memory. Record these on a class Padlet to read later.

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Provide students with art materials to create a collage of Hattie from the text. Students can use different textured mediums to create the collage. It’s something you remember,” his father told him. Dissatisfied, Wilfrid Gordon began to ask the old people in the home what a memory is. Reread Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. With each reading your students can be guided to notice the words. The words in this book are perfectly chosen making it a delight to read aloud. After reading prompt students to notice something new in the words or illustrations and allow them to make text-to-self connections. Allow a few minutes to share with a partner what they are thinking and wondering about. The illustrations allow space for imagination. Some students will see this book to be about friendship which may lead to a discussion of all the different friends a person might have. Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper was Wilfred’s friend. She is unique and special and the relationship is important to Wilfrid. First published more than thirty years ago, and in print ever since, Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Julie Vivas. Julie Vivas' watercolour illustrations are beautifully suited to the story which is inspired by people and memories from Mem Fox's own life (Wilfrid is her father's name, and Nancy is her mother's name). Represent and communicate observations and ideas in a variety of ways such as oral and written language, drawing and role play (ACSIS042)

Activity: Have students create a Wombat using paper plates and related materials. Add textured materials for skin, ears, nose and eyes. Lesson Three and Four – Billabong Mural for wombats After the visit, put students in groups with a copy of the book to see if they can say any more about the characters they discussed last lesson. Prompt by saying: ‘Does this person remind you of someone you know?’ Mem Fox was born in Australia, grew up in Africa, studied drama in England, and returned to Adelaide, Australia in 1970, where she has lived with her husband, Malcolm, and daughter Chloë, happily ever after. Participation in class and small group discussions and activities (knowledge attained through this)

As a class read through the text, predicting events as the story is read. Discuss and answer the following questions: Students glue the pennies to construction paper or newsprint to create a timeline. For each penny year, students should write a short (1-3 sentences) description of an important personal event or special memory. Each year’s memory should be illustrated, either with a student’s own drawing or a copy of a family photograph. Enrichment Extension Ideas Students may expand the “My Favorite Memory” pre-writing result into a more fully-developed personal narrative. They might also use the writing as a trigger for a fictional short story based on the memory. Next either play this Read Aloud video for the students, or do your own reading. This is a time for your students to listen and enjoy the book. You may choose to read it twice if they are engaged. Allow students to talk in small groups after the reading just to chat about what they are thinking and wondering about. ‘Eavesdrop’ as you move about the room to get an idea about the connections your students are making to their own experiences, things they have read, etc. What does it mean to remember something? Do you remember what you ate for breakfast this morning? How about what you did after school yesterday?