r IVER RUNNING A THYrouGh ou
Teacher pack: a river running Through You
Synopsis
Have you ever lingered on a riverbank watching the water flow, and wondered where it comes from or where it might be going?
Embark on a never-ending voyage in which young readers explore some very old questions - questions so old that they have stories for answers. This mesmerizing journey through mountain springs to vast oceans, from rivers in the sky to streams within our own bodies, guides readers through reflections on nature, life and our place within it.
Written by bestselling nature writer Amy-Jane Beer, this enchanting book spirals through time and space to remind us that water is more than just a resource - it is part of who we are.
Age: 5-7
Themes
Rivers
Water
Oceans
Lakes
Sustainability
Writing style
Nature
Earth
Conservation
Wildlife
Amy-Jane Beer is a biologist turned naturalist and writer. The writing in her book A River Running Through You is written in lyrical, poetic, nonfiction style.
On the text, Amy-Jane said: ‘what began as a way to share the wonder of fresh water with a new audience became a new and joyously immersive creative experience. In Elin Manon I’m blessed to have found a kindred spirit with an astonishing ability to conjure the layered and braided dreamscapes of water’s journey, and in Magic Cat a publishing team whose attention to detail is, in my experience, completely unique.’
Application in the classroom
Activity one: brainstorming/discussion activity
As a group, create a mind map with the word ‘river’ at the centre. What does the group know about rivers?
The title of this book is The River Running Through You, and the subtitle is and the rivers running through them.
What do you think the subtitle means before reading the book? Does this idea change once you’ve read it?
Is there anything you would add to the mind map after reading the book?
What did you discover about water that you didn’t know before?
Activity two: brainstorming/discussion activity
One of the last lines in the book is ‘water is patient’. What other adjectives would you use to describe water and how it is portrayed in the book?
Can you find another example in the text of where water is given human qualities? Why do you think the author, Amy-Jane Beer, does this?
Activity three: creative writing
‘The largest lakes delay water on its journey for a hundred years or more. In bogs, in swamps, marshes and fens…’
Bogs, swamps, marshes and fens are packed full of living things. What creatures can you imagine living there?
Which animals might live above the surface, and which might live under the water or mud?
Can you write an acrostic poem that explores what might be living under the surface of a bog, swamp or marsh?
Your poem should spell out the word RIVER down the side
Activity four: geography task
Find a river on a map (using an atlas or digital map)
Trace the river from its source to where it ends.
Can you find a river near a mountain, ocean, or lake?
Can you spot any other landmarks in the book that you can also see on a map?
Activity five: creative writing
In the book, Amy-Jane explores the folklore associated with rivers. ‘Some stories describe mixed up creatures – half-fish, half-human. Others tell of shapeshifters able to change their form as the water does.’
Can you write a short story about a mythological creature who lives in the river, next to a river or is part of the river? Think about why they need the water, or why water is a part of their story.
Activity six: classroom discussion
In Amy-Jane’s book, she talks about how it’s important to fight for and protect your local river.
‘Knowing and loving your river and the lives it carries gives you the power to protect them.’
Get into small groups and discuss:
Why do you think rivers need protecting?
What are some threats to rivers in our local area?
How can people in the community come together to help protect rivers?
Imagine you are an environmental campaigner. What is one thing you would campaign for to help protect your local river?
Create a campaign poster that could be displayed around your local area. The poster should include bright colours, a slogan and should clearly state your campaign mission.
