The Rhythms of Friendships in the New School Year

Finding a ‘Happy Place’ in Changing Groups

Asclasses change, both new and old friendship groups merge and evolve, children learn how to cope with another set of personalities along with the positive and negative dynamics that accompany this new group.

On Sudden Hill is a wonderfully understated picture book that has a timeless quality as it introduces us to Birt, Etho and their new friend Shu. The lyrical text brilliantly portrays the challenges felt by Brit as he negotiates the feelings that arise when sharing his friendship with Etho and the newcomer Shu.

Many young readers (and older children too!) will identify with Brit as he feels pushed aside by the arrival of the new friend. The feelings of hurt, sadness and anger are presented as understandable reactions and gently resolved with the learning that different dynamics can be good, too.

The illustrations by award winning Benji Davis create a very special feel. The theme of problems that occur with new situations and relationships being overcome is supported by illustrations that have a timeless quality. As in all of the very best picture books, so much of the story is conveyed in these wonderful illustrations.

While being deceptively simple, this poignant story will have a lasting impact and will speak to those sharing it, helping them understand their emotions as they find their happy place amongst new friendships.

Using Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning and Gardner’s Learning Styles, there are plenty of ways to enhance the concepts presented in this wonderful children’s picture book.

Remembering :

• Mathematical / Logical: Use a web organiser to list all the things that the boys did with their cardboard boxes. Rank them according to what you would like to do.

• Musical / Rhythmical: Use clapping to find five words that have 1-syllable, 2-syllables and 3-syllables. Can you find any 4-syllable words? Sort the words.

• Interpersonal: In a small group, brainstorm reasons why Birt enjoys his friendship with Etho.

Understanding:

• Verbal / Linguistic: Draw a picture for each way Birt destroys his box. Place a mind bubble by each of the pictures and write what Birt might have been thinking. How does the author show that Birt is really upset?

• Naturalistic: Explain why the hill is such a great place to play.

• Body Kinesthetic: Role play the boys being dragon slayers. How might the boxes help?

Applying:

• Visual / Spatial: As a class, read this account of how Benji Davis creates his illustrations: http://booksniffingpug.blogspot.com/2014/08/onsudden-hill-interview-with-its.html

Create a flowchart to summarise his process. Flag which part of the process you personally would find the most difficult.

• Musical / Rhythmical: Explain what “two by two rhythm” in the story means. Brainstorm other things that have this rhythm…eg: marching. What examples of “three by three rhythms” do you know of?

• Naturalistic: Draw a home for the frog that Birt and Etho caught. Research frog habitats first to inspire your drawing.

Analyzing:

• Intrapersonal: List the five most important qualities of a friend. Rank them on a ranking ladder then score each of the characters and yourself on each of the qualities.

• Interpersonal: How would it have been different if Birt’s father had talked to him instead of yelling at him? If you were Birt’s father what would you have done?

• Musical / Rhythmical: Sing /Play a sample of songs about friendships. Summarise their messages. Do any have similar messages to On Sudden Hill?

Evaluating:

• Verbal /Linguistic: The author has said that her inspiration for writing is, “The idea of maybe making a sad, small someone giggle, or a lonesome young person feel more loveable and valued. That is a beautiful brilliant thing.” Discuss how you think the story does this.

• Interpersonal: Debate: “It is best to have one really close friend.” Is it better to have just the one close friend, or multiple semi-close friends? Make points for each side of the argument.

• Visual / Spacial: Benji Davies swapped some of the characters in the story. Look at the options he tried. Do you agree that he got the appearance to match their character? Explain why you agree or disagree.