Diary of a Young Naturalist: teaching resource

On World Autism Day we teamed up with author Dara McAnulty to donate copies of his multi-award-winning book Diary of a Young Naturalist to secondary schools across the island of Ireland. Along with this donation we have created a free classroom resource, available to download below.

Evocative, raw, and lyrical, the book explores the natural world through the eyes of Dara McAnulty, an autistic teenager coping with the uprooting of his home, school, and his mental health, while pursuing his life as a conservationist and environmental activist. Recalling his sensory encounters in the wild, McAnulty reveals worlds we have neglected to see around us, whether that's in forests and fields, or even in our own back gardens.

Resources

• Age: Key Stages 3-5
• Subject: PHSE, English Language, Geography
• Topics: Nature and conservation, autism, neurodiversity
• Non-fiction text: Diary of A Young Naturalist
• Author: Dara McAnulty

The activities in this resource pack give KS3-5 students opportunities to engage with a non-fiction text, developing their reading, writing and speaking skills. The pack includes activities on comprehension, idea development, and reflection.

What's included in the resource pack?

• Text extract
• Lesson plan
• Activity worksheets