PDF of original story and activity ideas, plus Powerpoint featuring the story to show in class
KS2
Years 3-6
Use this features of a mystery story KS2 resource from Pie Corbett to inspire children to write their own close encounter tale…
Features of a mystery story KS2
This story is built around a simple idea. The main characters are out one evening when they hear a noise and see strange lights. They go to explore and get closer only to discover that they are watching an alien spaceship landing.
The spaceship’s door opens and an alien begins to appear. The story then shifts forward 24 hours. The boys wake up and cannot remember what has happened. However, they both have a memento from the ship.
| ALIEN LANDING | THE UNDERLYING PATTERN | IDEA FOR NEW STORY |
| Two boys pack up their fishing gear and set off for home as it is getting dark. | The main characters are out at night. | Shane and Kaz are going home after their football club has finished. It’s getting dark. |
| They hear a sound and see lights. They go to explore, thinking it might be a flying saucer. | They hear and see something unusual and go to see what it is. | They hear/see something strange behind the old factory and go to explore. |
| They hide nearby and see the space ship. The door opens and an alien begins to appear. | They get closer to find it is an alien landing. | They hide and watch as an alien ship lands. |
| 24 hours later they wake up to find themselves still in the forest. | 24 hours later they wake up. | 24 hours later they wake up and cannot remember what happened. |
| They cannot remember what happened once the space ship door had opened. The doctor says they have amnesia. | They cannot recall what has happened. | No one believes their story about the space ship. |
| But – they both have a memento – a black pebble that glows. | But – they have a memento that can only have come from another world. | But – they have been left with a transporter that turns them invisible and can transport them anywhere! |
Download contents
- PDF guide for teachers, containing the source story and activity ideas
- PowerPoint file presenting the story as a series of illustrated slides, for use with interactive whiteboards
More Pie Corbett resources
Browse a wide range of Pie Corbett KS2 stories and activity ideas.
Pie Corbett is an English educational trainer, writer, author and poet who has written over 200 books. He is also known for promoting creative approaches in the classroom and has experience as a teacher, headteacher and Ofsted inspector. Follow him on Twitter at @PieCorbett.
