Pigeon Heroes: Key Stage 2 Comprehension and Writing Activities Pack with Worksheets

These activities are based on the article ‘Pigeon Heroes!’ in issue twenty-five of Animal Planet magazine. There are opportunities to develop comprehension and writing skills using the resources provided. Pupils will learn about how pigeons have been used throughout the centuries to carry out important roles such as delivering messages or helping to tackle air pollution! They will organise the different roles that pigeons have had in chronological order using a timeline.

After reading the text, pupils will explore jobs that pigeons, or other animals, could carry out, writing job specifications to show how these creatures could be suitable for each role. The resources could be used over a series of lessons in English to create an inspiring resource for pupils in Key Stage 2 to develop skills in reading and writing.

What is included in this KS2 resources pack?

• Copy of the Animal Planet article ‘Pigeon Heroes’
• Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
• Why are pigeons so good at ...? cards
• Helpful animals – research list
• Helpful animals – research sheet
• Jobs for animals – idea cards
• Jobs for animals – planning sheet
• Themed writing paper

What is Animal Planet magazine?

This pack has been created in association with Animal Planet magazine, which fuels curious minds, helps children make sense of the world and sparks joy on every page.

To find out more, and register your interest in a school subscription, visit the Animal Planet magazine website.

National Curriculum Programme of Study Links

READING

• Pupils should develop positive attitudes to reading and understanding of what they read by listening to and discussing a wide range of ... non-fiction
• Pupils should understand what they read by
  - checking that the text makes sense to them, discussing their understanding and exploring the meaning of words in context.
  - asking questions to improve their understanding of the text. n Pupils should be taught how to retrieve, record and present information from non-fiction.

WRITING

• Pupils should plan their writing by discussing and recording ideas (years 5 and 6 also by drawing on research where necessary)

SCIENCE
Year 6 – Evolution and Inheritance

• Pupils should be taught to identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.

This resource is part of the Learn Through Nature, with Animal Planet Magazine collection.
View more from this collection

• Copy of the Animal Planet article ‘Pigeon Heroes’
• Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
• Why are pigeons so good at ...? cards
• Helpful animals – research list
• Helpful animals – research sheet
• Jobs for animals – idea cards
• Jobs for animals – planning sheet
• Themed writing paper
• Teaching notes