Comparing Authors’ Views

Overview

Unit Title: Text Connections Uncovered
Lesson: 4 of 8
Class: Year 1–2 (ages 6–8)
Duration: 45 minutes
Australian Curriculum Focus: English | Level 1–2

Learning Area:

English – Literature & Literacy
Australian Curriculum Links (v9.0):

• AC9E1LE01 / AC9E2LE01: Discuss characters and events in literary texts and share personal responses to these texts.
• AC9E1LY06 / AC9E2LY06: Use comprehension strategies to build literal and inferred meaning about key events, ideas, and information in texts.
• AC9E2LE04: Discuss different texts on similar topics, identifying similarities and differences between the texts.

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Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify the author’s perspective in two short texts about conservation.
• Compare similarities and differences in how the authors present their views.
• Explain how authors help readers understand environmental issues.
• Use simple comparative language (e.g. “Both authors think…”, “Unlike the first author…”)

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Success Criteria

✔ I can say what the author thinks or believes about the environment.
✔ I can find differences and things that are the same in two short texts.
✔ I can use comparative sentence starters to talk about the texts.
✔ I can take part in a respectful discussion about different ideas.

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Resources

• Printed copies of two short excerpts (see below)
  • Text 1: Wombat’s Home (fictional narrative)
  • Text 2: Caring for Country (informational non-fiction)
• Whiteboard & markers
• Venn Diagram (on A3 paper) – 1 per pair
• Colour-coded ‘Viewpoint Clues’ cards
• Author’s View Detectives badge stickers
• Sentence starter prompt cards
• Soft toy animal (class ‘Talking Wombat’)

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Text Extract Summaries

Text 1: "Wombat’s Home" (Fiction excerpt)
Wombat returns to the forest after a storm and finds his burrow covered by rubbish. He tells other animals it’s time to protect their home better. He thinks animals and humans should work together.

Text 2: "Caring for Country" (Non-fiction excerpt)
The text introduces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practices of caring for land. It explains sustainable living, firestick farming, and how Country includes people, land, animals, and spirit.

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Lesson Sequence

1. Tuning In – ‘Author’s Glasses’ (10 minutes)

Objective: Introduce the idea of looking at a text through the author’s perspective.

• Explain: “Today we are going to wear our invisible ‘Author’s Glasses’. These help us to see what the author truly thinks.”
• Show the cover images (visuals only) of both texts. Ask: “What might they be about? Do you think they will agree about protecting the environment?”
• Introduce Author’s View Detectives badges and let students stick one on. “We are on a mission!”

🐾 Teacher Tip: Use the class ‘Talking Wombat’ soft toy as a speaking tool to keep discussion structured.

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2. Main Investigation – Reading and Identifying Perspectives (20 minutes)

Objective: Understand and identify how perspective is conveyed.

• Group Reading: Read Wombat’s Home aloud with expression. Stop and ask:
  • “How does Wombat feel about the forest?”
  • “What does the author want us to understand?”
• Repeat with Caring for Country extract.
  • Stop to emphasise use of real images and facts.
  • “What does this author want us to know about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the land?”

👀 Mini Activity: Students receive “Viewpoint Clue Cards” with possible clues (e.g. “The author uses feelings.”, “The author gives a fact.”, “The author says what should happen.”). Students find and pin the matching clue to each text displayed on the board.

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3. Comparing Perspectives – Venn Thinking (10 minutes)

Objective: Begin to notice similarities and differences.

• In pairs, students look at an A3 Venn diagram.
• Fill in similarities in the overlap (e.g. “Both say nature needs care”), and differences in the outer circles (e.g. “Wombat’s Home uses animals. Caring for Country uses facts.”).
• Use sentence stem cards for support:
  • “The first author thinks…”
  • “The second author believes…”
  • “Both authors say…”

🎯 Extension (Fast Finishers): Draw a small comic strip with one panel showing each author’s view.

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4. Reflection & Discussion – Which Helped You Understand More? (5 minutes)

Objective: Encourage personal response and critical thought.

Pose the question:
🗨 “Which text helped you understand how to take care of the environment better — and why?”

Allow students to share in a circle using the ‘Talking Wombat’. Celebrate respectful listening and any contrasting views.

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Differentiation

Support:

• Picture cues for vocabulary
• Sentence starter strips
• Assigned buddies for EAL/D and neurodiverse learners

Challenge:

• Use contrasting conjunctions (‘whereas’, ‘while’, ‘on the other hand’)
• Justify preferences using evidence from text

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Assessment Opportunities

• Teacher observation during comparisons and discussion
• Student responses in Venn diagrams
• Oral sentence construction using perspective vocabulary
• Confidence in stating author’s viewpoint

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Connection to Next Lesson

In Lesson 5, students will create their own viewpoint by planning a short opinion text related to conservation. They will draw on the perspectives explored today and begin drafting based on what they believe is the best way to care for the environment.

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Teacher Reflection Prompt (Post-Lesson)

• Which students clearly understood the concept of perspective?
• Did the use of fiction and non-fiction side-by-side support comprehension?
• Are students ready to form their own viewpoints next lesson?

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Notes for Teacher

• Texts were curated for age-appropriate vocabulary, theme clarity, and engagement.
• This lesson subtly integrates Cross-curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, presenting First Nations perspectives respectfully and meaningfully.
• Leverages storytelling and fact-based content to illustrate how author purpose and tone shape reader understanding.

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Final Thought 💡

Even our youngest learners can develop critical thinking. By respectfully comparing voices — both imaginative and cultural — we help students discover the richness of perspectives and become thoughtful readers and contributors to our world.