A tortoise waking up might not sound the most thrilling topic starter. However, the slumbering reptile in The Amazing Tale of Ali Pasha has an account of WWI that begs to be told, and retold…
Set up a news room, write letters home from the trenches and look at maps of the war to give children a global perspective.
What is The Amazing Tale of Ali Pasha about?
Based on a true story, The Amazing Tale of Ali Pasha by Michael Foreman introduces us to a rather unlikely hero – a tortoise named Ali Pasha.
The author reveals the story through flashbacks and diary entries. These chart the tortoise’s journey from the battlefield of Gallipoli to a small village in Suffolk.
Why teach it?
This book is full of evocative illustrations and explores themes of heroism, friendship and triumph over adversity. The text is the perfect introduction to World War I history for children.
Depending on the themes you choose to develop, it can be the basis of a powerful book topic for both lower and upper Key Stage 2.
Starter activity
The story begins with Trevor, a junior reporter (or, in his words, “office boy”). He is working on a local newspaper in the 1950s.
Trevor is entrusted with small stories such as weddings and the local village show. On this occasion, he is asked to “pop along and check on Mr Friston’s tortoise…See if it’s awake yet.”
He sets out on his bicycle, imagining this to be yet another minor feature, but it soon becomes clear it’s anything but.
Immerse the children in Trevor’s world by setting up your own newspaper office in the classroom where they will become writers, editors and photographers – covering events within your school and from the text.
This area should include:
- laptops
- notebooks
- access to cameras and recording equipment
- ‘news’, ‘sports’ and ‘entertainment’ sections
- a selection of photographs and headlines children can self-select for writing opportunities
- examples of different newspapers
- a pinboard for ‘breaking news’
Clare Pearson is deputy headteacher at Summerbank Primary School in Stoke. Previously, Clare was the Primary Advisory English Teacher for Stoke-on-Trent.
