Exploring The Turnip

Lesson 1: Story Introduction and Discussion

Duration: 30 minutes
Class size: 10 EYFS children (3-5 years) – mixed nursery and reception with SEN needs, small rural C of E setting

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National Curriculum Links

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – Communication and Language (CL) and Understanding the World (UW):

• ELG: Listening, Attention and Understanding – Listen attentively and respond to what they hear with relevant questions, comments and actions.
• ELG: Speaking – Use new vocabulary through the day.
• ELG: Understanding the World – Talk about the lives of people who are familiar to them.
• ELG: Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) – Explain own knowledge and understanding, and ask appropriate questions of others.

Key Stage 1 (Year 1 & 2) Alignment (EYFS- KS1 Transition Focus)

• English – Reading (Word Reading and Comprehension) – Develop pleasure in reading, motivation to read, vocabulary and understanding by listening to and discussing a wide range of stories.

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Learning Intentions ("I can" statements):

• I can listen to the story of The Gigantic Turnip.
• I can talk about the characters and setting in the story.
• I can use my imagination to predict what might happen next.
• I can listen to and respect other’s ideas when discussing a story.

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Success Criteria:

• Children listen carefully during the story.
• Children are able to name at least two characters and describe the setting.
• Children can share their own predictions about the story using simple sentences or words.
• Children participate positively in group discussion.

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Resources Needed

• Large picture book or printed images of The Gigantic Turnip by Aleksei Tolstoy (age-appropriate version)
• Soft talking stick or visual object to support turn-taking in discussion
• Character cards with pictures (e.g. grandfather, grandmother, animals)
• A large colourful story map or drawing area (interactive whiteboard or paper/poster)
• ‘Think-Pair-Share’ visual prompts
• Outdoor space or classroom area for active element (optional)

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Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Settle (3 minutes)

• Greet children warmly, sit in a circle to create a calm “literacy carpet” space.
• Introduce the story title and author: The Gigantic Turnip by Aleksei Tolstoy.
• Explain what will happen: “Today we’ll listen to a fun story about a very big turnip and the people who try to pull it out!”

2. Story Introduction with Visual Supports (10 minutes)

• Show the cover image and ask open questions:
  “What do you see on the cover?”
  “What do you think a gigantic turnip might be?”
• Introduce key vocabulary (gigantic, turnip, characters, setting) with simple definitions and pictures.
• Read the story aloud interactively, using varied tone and gestures.
• Pause at key points—ask children prediction questions:
  • “Who do you think will help pull the turnip?”
  • “Where do you think this story might be happening?”

3. Discussion Using Thinking Routines (10 minutes)

• Introduce “Think-Pair-Share” for children to express ideas:
  • Think: Children have 30 seconds to think quietly.
  • Pair: Turn to a neighbour and share one idea (character they like or setting they imagine).
  • Share: Invite some children to share with the full group, using the talking stick to promote respectful listening.
• Use a story map to place character images and draw setting details children describe.
• Ask simple reflective questions to deepen understanding:
  • “Why do you think the grandfather asked for help?”
  • “What might happen next in the story?” (encourage predictions)

4. Active Engagement (Optional - 5 minutes)

• If space allows, organise a quick role-play: children take turns pretending to be characters pulling the huge turnip.
• Encourage use of new vocabulary in the play.

5. Recap and Plenary (2 minutes)

• Summarise key learning: “Today we met the characters and setting of The Gigantic Turnip. We shared our ideas and predictions.”
• Praise everyone for listening and sharing.
• Tell children there will be more fun with this story in the next lessons.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For SEN & younger nursery children:

  • Use more visual cues, repeat vocabulary, and give additional thinking time.
  • Pair with a buddy during “Pair-Share” to support communication.
  • Use objects or puppets to reinforce story characters.

• For Reception children with higher ability:

  • Encourage them to elaborate predictions with “because…” reasoning.
  • Prompt them to ask questions about the story or suggest alternative endings.

• For children with language delay:

  • Model simple sentences for describing characters and setting.
  • Use sentence starters: “The turnip is…”, “I think that… will happen.”

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Invite children to draw or dictate their own “giant vegetable” story idea inspired by The Gigantic Turnip.
• Encourage creating a small group story map with more detailed illustrations and labels.
• Use story vocabulary to start simple role-play dialogues extending beyond the story.
• Begin simple sequencing by ordering character cards or story images.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe children’s participation during story and discussion, noting ability to recall characters and setting.
• Listen to their predictions for language use and comprehension understanding.
• Use anecdotal notes or simple checklists noting engagement, listening, vocabulary use, and social skills during Think-Pair-Share.

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Notes for Teacher

• Rosenshine’s Principles in action:

  • Begin with review of prior knowledge (familiar vegetables, farm life).
  • Present new content in small steps with continuous questioning.
  • Provide scaffolds for thinking (visual aids, sentence starters).
  • Guide student practice through paired discussion and group sharing.
  • Check for understanding throughout.

• Use nurturing language that encourages all contributions and values diverse ideas to build confident communicators.

• The story’s setting can be linked to rural life familiar to your pupils, creating relevance and deeper connection.

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End of Lesson 1