16-page PDF
KS2
Years 3-6
This resource provides teaching notes for Cobweb by Michael Morpurgo, aimed at KS2 teachers.
What is Cobweb by Michael Morpurgo about?
The story follows Cobweb, a Pembrokeshire Corgi, as he transitions from a farm dog to a drover’s dog, herding livestock from Wales to London in 1815.
Along the way, he meets a French drummer boy from the Battle of Waterloo, bringing historical themes into the narrative.
As Michael Morpurgo himself puts it, “Cobweb is about love, loyalty and family.”
What’s included in the resource?
The resource suggests a variety of engaging activities across different subjects:
- English: Children can write instructional texts on dog training, survival guides, historical news reports, diary entries, and persuasive letters. Drama activities include writing and performing a play script about the drummer boy.
- History: Lessons focus on the Battle of Waterloo, life in 1815, and the evolution of farming, encouraging children to compare past and present.
- Geography: Activities involve mapping Cobweb’s journey, exploring land-use changes, and identifying key locations such as Pembrokeshire and Frampton on Severn.
- Maths: Problem-solving exercises involve calculating distances, travel times, and costs related to Cobweb’s journey.
- PSHE: Discussions revolve around friendship, loyalty, conflict, bereavement, and resilience, helping children develop empathy.
- Computing: Pupils can use mapping software to recreate the journey, research Morpurgo’s charity work, and design a webpage advertising a walking holiday along the drovers’ route.
- Art: Children can study illustrator Michael Foreman’s work, create watercolour paintings, and design a ‘photo album’ of Cobweb’s adventures.
This resource provides rich cross-curricular opportunities, using storytelling as a gateway to historical inquiry, literacy development and creative expression.
Thank you to HarperCollins and teacher Penny Kemp for this resource pack.
