Finn’s Little Fibs

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When Finn accidentally breaks his grandma’s precious clock, he tells a teeny tiny little lie – and blames it on his sister instead! Soon, Finn’s little fib is OUT OF CONTROL, and it’s getting in the way of everything! Can he find a way to tell the truth?

English:

• What is a ‘fib’? Can you think of synonyms for the word?
• Write a new story about a child who tells a lie.
• Can you think of other stories in which a character tells a lie? What happens to them?
• Think of some speech / thought bubbles to accompany the illustrations.
• Retell the story from Finn’s point of view. Explain how he is feeling at different points in the story.
• Retell the story from Grandma’s (or Simone’s) point of view. How did she feel about Finn’s fibs?
• Carry out a ‘conscience corridor’ drama activity at the point when Finn has just broken the clock and his Grandma walks in. What should he do? Try to give justifications for what you think is the best thing to do.
• Write the telephone conversation between Finn and his parents when they ask about the clock. Can you write this using direct and / or reported speech?
• Write a letter of apology from Finn to his grandma.
• Read the other books in the ‘Big Bright Feelings’ series*. Which is your favourite? Why? Could you write your own story about a character who has to deal with a particular emotion?
• Watch this narrated version of the story. Could you record your own version?

Science:

• Finn bounces his ball around Grandma’s house. Discuss the forces that take place when a ball bounces. What materials are bouncy balls usually made from? Why is this the case?

Computing:

• Read the author’s tips about fibbing in the front of the book and use these to make a poster to teach others about fibs and how to deal with them.
• Design a game in which a person has to defeat the ‘fibs’ floating around.
• Watch this video that was created to promote the book. Could you create an animated advert for the book?

Design Technology:

• Design and make a new clock for Grandma’s house.

Art:

• Look at the illustrations of Finn at different points in the story. Create your own pictures to show a character in different situations. Try to show different expressions on their face.
• Draw your own picture to show what a ‘fib’ might look like.

Music:

• Compose a melody to accompany an animated version of this story.

Geography:

• Make a map that shows the locations Finn visits in the book.

PSHE:

• What does it mean to be honest? Why is it important to be honest with others?
• Is it ever OK to lie? Can you think of any situations where not telling the truth is the best course of action?
• Can you think of a time when you have lied? Why did you do this, and what happened afterwards?
• Make a list of words linked to emotions. Can you sort these into groups of positive and negative feelings?