Camp Green Lake

Year 6 have been thoroughly engaged in their class novel, Holes by Louis Sachar. The story follows Stanley Yelnats, who is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention centre where the boys spend their days digging holes in the scorching Texas desert. As the mystery of Camp Green Lake unfolds, the children have become increasingly invested in Stanley's journey, eagerly predicting what might happen next and discussing the twists and turns in the plot.

Our reading sessions have sparked thoughtful discussions about the characters, themes and hidden clues woven throughout the story. The children have particularly enjoyed exploring the humour, suspense and mystery of the novel, with many sharing their own theories about the secrets of Camp Green Lake. As Sem commented, "There's not much hope if one of them gets bitten by a yellow-spotted lizard," while Grace observed, "It's all Stanley's Great Grandfather's fault! He's a no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing Great Grandfather!"

The novel has also provided an exciting stimulus for our writing. Using their knowledge of the setting and characters, the children stepped into the shoes of visitors to Camp Green Lake and wrote imaginative reviews of their experience. They considered everything from the endless digging and blistering heat to the camp's unusual rules and memorable residents, using persuasive language and humour to bring their reviews to life. This creative writing opportunity allowed the children to demonstrate their understanding of the text while developing their skills as writers.

It has been wonderful to see the children's enthusiasm for reading grow as they become immersed in Stanley's adventures. Their engagement with the novel has not only deepened their enjoyment of reading but has also inspired some fantastic writing, showcasing both their creativity and their understanding of this much-loved story.