A Pot of Gold/The Clever Farmer - Level 21-22

A Pot of Gold / The Clever Farmer brings to life two thought-provoking folktales that explore moral choices and clever problem-solving. The first story follows an honest farmer who finds a hidden pot of gold and must choose between self-interest and doing what is right. The second tale features a witty farmer who cleverly outsmarts a tiger to save his life. Both stories are told through engaging third-person narratives and include direct speech that captures the tone and character interactions. The text introduces specialised vocabulary such as Vietnam, plough, and cleverness, helping students connect language with cultural and thematic elements. With a focus on ethical decision-making and critical thinking, the stories offer excellent opportunities for students to reflect on actions, consequences, and values. Word study includes compound words, irregular plurals, and verb endings, supporting a rich language learning experience. These tales also prompt learners to consider the characteristics of different genres and encourage the creation of alternative story endings.

Educational Benefits:

• Enhances understanding of traditional and cultural tales.
• Develops inferencing and interpretation of character motivation.
• Encourages opinion writing and ethical discussion.
• Supports recognition and application of irregular plurals and compound words.

Classroom Ideas:

• Discuss morals from each story and write a class œmoral code.
• Rewrite a folktale with a modern Australian setting.
• Create character maps showing emotions, decisions, and consequences.
• Use a story map to compare the structure of both tales.

Safety & Information:

• Suitable for ages 7+
• Book size: 200mm x 190mm
• Paperback, lightweight for classroom use
• No small parts; safe for all primary school settings