Koala – Our Author Study Inspired by Claire Saxby

This term, the Preps have been exploring the wonderful text Koala by author, Claire Saxby. Claire has a very special way of writing; she teaches readers new information while also telling a story. We set ourselves a challenge: could we create our very own class book that does the same?

Our journey began by reading Koala through two different lenses, as a fiction story and as a non-fiction text. We discovered how the same animal could be brought to life in different ways through word choice, structure, and purpose.

To deepen our understanding, we researched koalas using books and online resources, and we even visited Healesville Sanctuary, where we met Lissa, the Zookeeper. Equipped with our clipboards and questions, we learned all sorts of fascinating facts about these iconic Australian animals. Lissa was VERY impressed with our koala knowledge; we even showed her what it looks like when male koalas rub their chest on the base of a tree!

Back at school, we planned and drafted our own pages, one fiction and one non-fiction, carefully choosing words and sentences that would both inform and entertain our readers, just like Claire Saxby. The Preps also created stunning illustrations of koalas using a mix of paint and real photographs, bringing their pages to life.

The final result, a beautiful class book that celebrates our learning, creativity, and curiosity and showcases just how clever our young authors have become!