Jim and the Beanstalk

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A little boy called Jim finds a beanstalk outside his window one morning. Like his predecessor, Jack, he decides to climb it – and at the top, he finds a huge castle and a rather grumpy giant. But this giant isn’t at all what Jim expected…

English:

• Retell the story in the first person, from Jim’s point of view.
• Write a diary entry from the Giant’s point of view.
• Rewrite some of the conversations using indirect / reported speech.
• Make a list of adjectives and adjective phrases to describe the large objects in the story (e.g. the beanstalk, castle, glasses).
• Think of some similes and metaphors to describe a giant.
• Create character profiles for Jim and the Giant. How are they similar / different?
• Write a new story about a different child who climbs the beanstalk and meets the Giant.
• Write a newspaper article about a boy who bought some giant glasses, giant teeth and a giant wig. Include quotes from people, including the oculist, the dentist and the wig-maker.
• Correct the spelling and punctuation in the Giant’s letter to Jim.
• Write a letter from Jim to the Giant at the end of the story.
• Read other stories written by Raymond Briggs. Which is your favourite? Why?

Maths:

• Imagine you had a giant coin that was worth £1000. Make a list of items you would buy (with their values).
• Measure and compare the sizes of objects used by Jim and the Giant, e.g. a tape measure, glasses, and coins.
• Make a beanstalk-themed number line or height chart.

Science:

• Plan a healthy meal for a giant.
• The giant has problems with his eyesight. How do we see things? What can we use to improve our vision?
• Investigate how beans grow by planting some bean seeds.

Computing:

• Use coding tools to design a game in which Jim has to climb a beanstalk to collect objects.
• Record a ‘read aloud’ video based on this story. Here is an example:

Design Technology:

• Make a model of a castle in which the Giant could live.
• Design a new wig or glasses for the Giant.
• Design a pulley system to help Jim pull items up the beanstalk.

Art:

• Retell part of the story in the form of a comic strip.
• How does the giant feel at different points in the story? Can you create illustrations of him that show various emotions?

Geography:

• Create a map that illustrates the various points mentioned in the story.

Physical Education:

• Play ‘Giant Says’, a variation on the game ‘Simon Says’.

PSHE:

• Jim helps the Giant in different ways. Think of ways you can help other people.
• Discuss the theme of kindness. Why does Jim help the Giant?
• Role-play different situations where you could help someone in need.
• Think about body image and self-esteem. How does the Giant feel after he is given new glasses, new teeth and a wig?