the gruffalo teachers resource - glasgow film theatre · mother squirrel tells her children the...

------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gruffalo - Resources for First Level

The Gruffalo film was produced by Magic Light Pictures and shown by the BBC on

Christmas Day 2009.

(http://www.magiclightpictures.com/)

Synopsis Mother Squirrel tells her children the story of a mouse who manages to get the better of a

fox, an owl, a snake and… a Gruffalo. As the mouse journeys through the woods, he

cleverly outwits the animals who want to eat him by telling them that he’s meeting an

imaginary creature who wants to eat them! When the mouse actually meets a Gruffalo, he

uses the same skills to outwit him. The mouse is free to wander through the forest,

looking for nuts.

An extension of Julia Donaldson’s book, this film reproduces the story, pictures and

dialogue faithfully, but extends the mouse’s character. We learn a lot more about the

mouse from his behaviour and interactions with the other characters.

Before the film It is likely that a number of pupils will be familiar with the book as it is a bestseller.

Before viewing the film, I would suggest reading the book to the whole class, discussing

their opinions of it and their expectations of the film – what might be the same? What

might be different?

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------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion Points I regularly select and read, listen to or watch texts which I enjoy and find interesting, and I can explain why I prefer certain texts and authors.

LIT 1-11a / LIT 2-11a

I can show my understanding of what I listen to or watch by responding to and asking different kinds of questions.

LIT 1-07a

1 What are the similarities and differences between the book and the film?

2 Where is this story set? What time of year is it? How do you know?

3 Discuss the mouse’s character. How does he get the better of the bigger animals? He

lies – but is he justified? What would happen if he didn’t tell lies?

4 Discuss the Gruffalo. Is he really a baddie? Is he any worse than the fox, owl and

snake? Why do we think so?

5 In the film, the story is being told by mother squirrel to her two children. Why do you

think she is telling them the story? Is it to entertain them, or is there something she

wants them to learn?


------------------------------------------------------------------- Activities Using the Film 1 According to the mouse, each of the animals is the Gruffalo’s favourite food. Watch

the film or read the book again, making a menu for the Gruffalo showing the food the

mouse imagines. What would you add to it? (Worksheet 1) Using what I know about the features of different types of texts, I can find, select, sort and use information for a specific purpose.

LIT 1-14a By considering the type of text I am creating, I can select ideas and relevant information, organise these in a logical sequence and use words which will be interesting and/or useful for others.

LIT 1-26a 2 A Dangerous World

Discuss the sequence where the mouse tries to cross the river and meets the owl.

What were all the dangers the mouse faces? Discuss these. Which would be the

scariest? Why does the mouse agree to go to the owl’s house? After discussion,

children can complete sequence activity in pairs (worksheet 2). Then ask them to use

the supplementary questions as a “hot seat” activity with one pupil interviewing the

other in the character of the mouse.


I can show my understanding of what I listen to or watch by responding to and asking different kinds of questions.

LIT 1-07 When listening and talking with others for different purposes, I can exchange information, experiences, explanations, ideas and opinions, and clarify points by asking questions or by asking others to say more.

LIT 1-09a

After the film

Think, pair, share activity Think of other stories set in a wood. (Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping

Beauty etc.) List the baddies in these films. Who is the worst baddie and why?

If time allows, this could be turned into a diamond nine activity, where each pair or small

group of pupils are given a set of nine cards with the baddies’ names written on them. The

pupils then agree on an order from ‘worst’ to ‘least worst’. Groups then share their

responses with the rest of the class, justifying their choices. If consensus can be reached,

create a class display of the diamond nine. Pupils can then comment on baddies and their

position in the diamond nine.

When I engage with others, I know when and how to listen, when to talk, how much to say, when to ask questions and how to respond with respect.

LIT 1-02a

When listening and talking with others for different purposes, I can exchange information, experiences, explanations, ideas and opinions, and clarify points by asking questions or by asking others to say more.

LIT 1-09a

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------------------------------------------------------------------- Further Ideas Learn more about the author – Julia Donaldson. Have a look at Julia Donaldson's official

website to find out more.

(http://www.juliadonaldson.co.uk)

There is a video of Julia Donaldson talking about her work on the Scottish Book Trust

website.

(http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/podcasts/video/authors-live-with-julia-donaldson)

If you want to extend class work on The Gruffalo, there are many resources already posted

on Teaching Resources & Lesson Plans for Teachers - TES Connect. Check these out

before reinventing the wheel!

(http://www.tes.co.uk/resourcesHome.aspx?navcode=70)

A superior film like The Gruffalo - which takes a well written book and not only matches

the quality but extends and broadens the characters and themes - is such a valuable

resource. Enjoy using it! For other opinions, check out reviews on the Internet Movie

Database. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1461418/)

It is possible to purchase a DVD ofThe Gruffalo and Gill Paton can suggest additional

activities if you wish to do this.


The Gruffalo Worksheet – The Mouse and the Owl Name ________________________ The Mouse

A Menu for The Gruffalo by _________________________

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