Belinda Murrell: Bringing Australian History To Life | Page 56

CLASS ACTIVITIES

CLASS ACTIVITIES FOR

THE RUBY TALISMAN
Ask students to imagine they’re going on a holiday
specifically to research a book.
Where would they choose to go?
What period would they research and why?
This photo is from Belinda’s trip to Paris to research
The Ruby Talisman.

Letter writing

While Tilly is escaping to England on
the Mermaid of Zennor, she thinks a
lot about the importance of friendship.
Write a letter from Tilly’s perspective
back home to her old friend Maddie,
explaining what has happened to her
and how she’s changed. Describe
Amelie and Henri and why they have
become such good friends. Explain
why this friendship makes Tilly learn to
treasure her old friendships back home.

Glittering Versailles

Imagine you are Amelie and have
been invited to your first party given
by Queen Marie-Antoinette at one of
her salons at Versailles. Describe the
setting – the food, the clothes, the
room, the entertainment, the people
and, of course, the Queen. How do
you feel – excited, nervous, frightened,
overwhelmed, happy? Use your other
senses t