Activity

1. Create a class story together, giving students a choice between two options for the scenes, characters and actions in the story.

2. Incorporate students’ special interests for each of the choices, ideally displaying images of each. E.g. You might start off trapped in either a maze or a pizza restaurant with weather outside that is either raining or windy, and then escape fast or slowly thanks to the help of…

3. Create a box filled with props for each decision that needs to be made. For example:

• A parachute for everyone to start sat under
• A microphone to make sounds
• Spray bottles, fans and torches for the weather
• A drum to help represent the speed of movement
• Oyster cards, red fabric and steering wheels for transport
• Any other special interest toys

4. Run through the story twice, asking students in turn to choose and make decisions in the story respecting when it is someone else’s special interest in the choice and not their own.

5. Add extra moments in the story based on pupil responses, allowing them to shape the story.

Reflection

• Did you choose someone else’s special interest or only your own?

• Did you enjoy listening to other people’s ideas?

Go Further

Note down pupil preferences and incorporate them into new stories.

Collaborative: Co-operating Appropriately

This activity supports students in turn-taking and listening to others’ ideas, encouraging them to contribute positively to group work. This activity also supports being persistent and imaginative.