Pass round the ‘storyteller’s cloak’ and let children retell their own dastardly versions of The Enormous Crocodile…
Prior to starting this unit, you need to do a little preparation so that the children are engaged from the beginning.
You will need a small suitcase or attaché case. In the case, place a copy of The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl, a storyteller’s cloak and a collection of animals:
- crocodile
- hippopotamus
- elephant
- monkey
- exotic bird
These can be soft toys or small-world style toys.
Starter activity
You will also need to write a letter along these lines (a touch of tea staining and a scattering of glitter across the letter will add ‘authenticity’):
Dear class,
Your headteacher has asked me to visit your school to tell you some stories on 13th September. The
13th September is Roald Dahl Day because it is the birthday of the World’s Number One Storyteller.
Unfortunately, I can’t come and tell stories because I am at a Storytellers’ Gathering in a land
many, many miles away.
I beg you to come to my assistance as I hate to let people down. I have sent you my very special
Storyteller’s Suitcase. Use the contents to make your own stories and then tell them at your very
own Storytellers’ Gathering on 13th September. Good luck my little Storytellers.
With very best wishes from
Estorie Fabricas
Storyteller extraordinaire
The Enormous Crocodile lesson plan contains:
- Hooking children in
- Reading and responding
- Creating a story map
- Telling the story
- Writing for real
- The storytellers’ gathering
- Act it out
Author Gill Matthews runs workshops on the Writing for Real approach. She is also co-founder of The Professional Literacy Company with Pie Corbett, Stephanie Austwick and Kevin Jeffery. Browse more Roald Dahl Day resources.
