Jake and Bones is an interactive story, taken from the RSPCA's Education website, which allows children to explore the possible decisions and actions to be taken in connection with the problem of re-homing Jake's dog, Bones. Resources for this unit are available from the Resources section on the left.

Jake and his family are moving house and, as a result, Bones needs a new home that will be more suitable for him. Jake is concerned to find a loving home for Bones; various opportunities present themselves. The children can explore these options and, through the interactive story, they are guided to consider the consequences and possible outcomes for Bones.

This unit develops the children's enjoyment of the story, and their empathy with the characters, through a range of drama and speaking and listening activities that support appropriate oral rehearsal prior to the written outcomes.

Phase 1 (2 days)

The first phase introduces the story of Jake and Bones to the children and sets the context for this narrative unit. There are several opportunities for the children to discuss their personal experiences of owning pets or experiences with domestic animals. Through shared reading the children consider the various options open to Jake and his family; the teacher demonstrates how to navigate through the interactive story. Children should be given the opportunity to reread the text and develop their own site navigational skills as a guided or independent activity.

Phase 2 (3 days)

The second phase develops further empathy with the characters and secures engagement with the dilemma within the story. Following clear demonstration and modelling by the teacher, hot-seating, telephone conversations and role play activities support the children's developing understanding of the characters and the dilemmas facing each of them. Shared writing supports the children's organisation of these early ideas.

Phase 3 (5 days)

The third phase provides structured oral rehearsal through freeze-frame and thought-tracking activities. Shared and supported writing combine with these activities to prepare the children to focus on the outcome of the story, which they record as their final written outcome.