Show characters overcoming difficulties with Helen Rutter

Hold a virtual author visit that sparks ideas instantly. This unit centres on a lively podcast episode with Helen Rutter. Pupils tune into Author in Your Classroom and hear Helen share her creative journey. She discusses her novel, The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh, and reveals her writing secrets. The episode drives every session and connects children directly with a professional author.

Through the podcast, Rutter explores characters overcoming difficulties. Pupils meet Billy Plimpton as he moves to secondary school. Billy has a stammer but dreams of stand-up comedy, and Rutter uses humour and empathy to show his challenges and strengths. Children see how real experiences can shape powerful stories.

Teaching overview

This four-session unit builds confident, reflective writers. Pupils start by listening to key podcast extracts and discussing how Helen Rutter finds ideas. They identify challenges linked to school transition and begin creating original characters.

Next, pupils analyse how Helen Rutter reveals feelings. They explore first-person narration, dialogue, and action. Role play deepens understanding. Planning sheets scaffold character development and plot structure.

In session three, children map story arcs. They track emotional highs and lows, and focus on dreams, obstacle, and growth. They then write their own first-person narratives, inspired by Helen Rutter’s techniques.

Finally, pupils refine and edit their work. They respond to feedback and celebrate improvements. A working wall captures ideas and progress.