Explore storytelling and voice with the late, great Benjamin Zephaniah.

In this episode of Author in Your Classroom, Benjamin Zephaniah (author of Windrush Child) inspires pupils to find and develop their own narrative voice. Pupils learn how to write stories with impact, whether sharing their own experiences or telling the story of a historical character.

Although Benjamin is sadly no longer with us, his poetry and stories continue to inspire readers and writers alike. This unit encourages pupils to consider how stories can act as mirrors, windows and sliding doors, allowing readers to see themselves, explore other perspectives and step into different experiences.

Resource pack contents

This free classroom pack supports a full creative writing unit and includes:

• Ready-to-use PowerPoint
• Extract from Windrush Child
• Planning sheets for developing ideas and voice
• Working wall images and quotes for inspiration
• Story writing sheets for pupils’ final drafts

Teaching overview

Across four sessions, pupils will:

• Start with your own voice – Pupils consider stories from their own lives, exploring moments that are memorable, emotional or meaningful. They identify what matters most to them and start planning how to tell it with a strong, engaging voice.
• Find a voice that needs to be shared – Pupils are encouraged to ‘reach into history’ to tell stories of voices that need to be heard. They think about historical events, characters or moments from their studies that could be told through a first-person narrator. They use perspective and empathy to bring the story to life.
• Write the story – Pupils write in the first person, developing a distinctive narrative voice. They draw on features of Zephaniah’s writing, such as expressing feelings, using unique speech patterns and bringing the character’s perspective to the forefront. They focus on writing with heart and purpose, capturing emotion and experience authentically.
• Edit and redraft – Pupils reflect on their writing, share work with partners, and improve their stories. They learn the value of rewriting and refining their voice, inspired by Benjamin’s advice on craft and poetry.

Inspiration and further learning

• Pupils can explore more of Benjamin Zephaniah’s work through poetry collections such as Talking Turkeys and Wicked World! or novels like Refugee Boy.
• Film clips of Benjamin performing his poetry can bring his work to life. They demonstrate the rhythm, energy and emotion of his voice.

How to listen

Search for Author In Your Classroom wherever you get your podcasts. A free resources pack is available with every episode.

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