Update a classic tale with Michael Morpurgo

In this writing unit, children hear directly from Michael Morpurgo as he explores storytelling, truth and imagination. A virtual author visit, centred around an episode of the Author in Your Classroom podcast, forms the basis of the teaching sequence.

Morpurgo shares how every story begins with ‘a truth’, and that truth might be personal, historical or happening right now.

The author explains how in his novel Boy Giant, he retells Gulliver’s Travels, weaving in the story of Omar, a refugee fleeing war in Afghanistan. Children quickly see how classic tales can carry powerful modern messages.

Teaching overview

Across three rich sessions, pupils build their own retellings. First, they explore issues they care about deeply. They discuss why writers must never ‘write down’ to children. They reflect on what truth means in storytelling.

Next, they revisit familiar classics. They consider character, setting and theme. Could a forest tale explore deforestation? Could a journey story explore migration?

In the final session, children write in the first person. Podcast extracts model viewpoint and voice. Pupils analyse how Michael Morpurgo places Omar at the centre of each scene. Then they craft their own powerful narratives.

The unit ends with reflection, redrafting and celebration. A working wall captures ideas and favourite lines. Children leave inspired to read widely, write bravely and tell stories that matter.