At this time of year, there’s nothing better than hunkering down with a great book. In this blog, Amanda Webb shares some ideas for writing based on a brand new, wintery story that is perfect for the season. Alongside the new book, she recalls an old favourite story and shares writing ideas for both of these winter wonders.
‘The Frost Goblin’ by Abi Elphinstone and illustrated by Fiona Woodcock
We couldn’t leave you this Christmas without failing to mention the release of this Christmas winner to share with your class: ‘The Frost Goblin’ by bestselling author Abi Elphinstone and renowned illustrator Fiona Woodcock.
‘The real story of frost has nothing to do with Jack Frost and everything to do with goblins…’
You will fall in love with the delightful Bertie from the very first moment you meet him as you join him on an exciting adventure with the Frostgobble family. Be prepared for your heart to wobble, just as Bertie’s does in this wonderful story of belonging.
A perfect story for a heart-warming read with your class on a cold winter’s afternoon. In the resource linked here – The Frost Goblin Writing Opportunities - you will find a collection of wonderful writing opportunities inspired from ‘The Frost Goblin’.
Find out more about Abi and her work.
Find out more about Fiona and her work.
‘The Santa Trap’ by Jonathan Emmett and illustrated by Poly Bernatene
We have shared this one with you before, but it is worth revisiting to enjoy afresh with a different class.
Welcome Bradley Bartleby…
Everything that you need to know about this charmless character is conveyed on the first double-page spread:
‘Bradley Bartleby was bad.
He’d been born bad….
And the older Bradley got, the badder he became.’
The tale goes on to outline Bradley’s rapid descent from spoilt child to revenge-seeking Santa hunter!
Beyond its obvious anarchic appeal, this text provides so many opportunities for children to improve their writing skills. In the resource linked here – Santa Trap Planning Ideas – you will find our suggestions for how this text could be used creatively to develop children’s writing skills in line with the Vocabulary, Grammar and Punctuation Programme of Study for each year group. In addition, in the resource - Year 6 Christmas Planning The Santa Trap - you will find the outline for a three-week sequence of learning aimed at Y6, in terms of grammatical content, where children will be writing their own anarchic sequel to The Santa Trap.
We hope that this fun and feisty text will help to spread a little Christmas cheer throughout your classroom this year. The question is: who will be brave enough to present each of their children with a lovely end of term Christmas gift this year?
A nice new pair of socks should do it!
Find out more about Jonathan and his work.
With special thanks to Poly Bernatene for giving permission to use his images in this blog.
