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When the Queen steals Emily Brown’s favourite toy and erstwhile companion, a toy rabbit called Stanley, Emily sets out to get him back and teach that naughty queen a valuable lesson.
Teaching Ideas and Resources:
English
- The story begins with ‘Once upon a time…’. Do you know any other stories that start with this phrase? Can you make a list of different story openers and choose your favourite? Could you write a story based on it?
- Retell the story from Emily or Stanley’s point of view, using the first person.
- Write a new story about a child and their favourite toy. Could you write about an adventure that you might have with your favourite toy?
- Write a story that explains how Emily first met Stanley.
- Emily and Stanley have lots of adventures together. Could you write about a new adventure that they might have?
- ‘Rat-a-tat-tat’ is an example of onomatopoeia. Can you find out what this means and find more examples?
- Imagine that you were going on an adventure with Stanley to Outer Space or the Sahara Desert. Plan what things you might need to take with you.
- Imagine that the Queen sent a letter to Emily instead of sending her Chief Footman / Admiral etc. What would the letter say? Could you write it? What would Emily say in reply?
- Look at the use of speech marks in the story. Can you write your own sentences / paragraphs that use speech marks accurately?
- Think of adjectives that Emily might use to describe Stanley. What adjectives does she use to describe the Queen’s teddy bear? Can you think of any more?
- Use the speech in the story to create a play script. Could you perform your play for others?
- Some of the text in the story is written in different sizes and in bold / italics. Can you explain why this is?
- Write a letter from Emily, replying to the Queen’s ‘Thank You’ note.
- There are a number of books featuring Emily Brown. Could you read one of the others or write a new adventure about her?
Science
- What animals live in the places that Emily and Stanley visit, e.g. The Sahara Desert, the Amazonian Rainforest, and the Great Barrier Reef? How are they adapted to living there?
Computing
- Use ICT to make a new version of Emily’s poster telling people that Stanley is not for sale.
- Some of the text in the story is written in different sizes and in bold / italics. Could you type your own story and use different text styles to emphasise particular parts of the writing?
Design Technology
- Design a new flying machine for the Air Force to use.
- Can you sew a new cuddly toy for the Queen to have?
Art
- Look at how the illustrations have been created. Some of them feature hand-drawn pictures on a photographic background. Could you make some pictures using printed photos as background images with your own sketches in the foreground?
- The pictures of Emily and Stanley’s adventures include a door from their house. Draw a scene showing what might be on the other side of a magic door.
Geography
- Find out about some of the places that Emily visits, e.g. the Sahara Desert, the Barrier Reef, and the Amazonian rainforest. Can you find these places on a map? Can you describe what they are like? How are they similar / different to where you live?
Languages
- This book has been translated into French. Could you try reading the translated version?
PSHE
- Stanley is a special toy for Emily. What things are special to you? Why are they special?
- Emily sends her visitors away politely. What does it mean to be polite? Could you make a poster to teach others how to be polite at home / school?
- Imagine how Emily must have felt when she woke up and Stanley was gone.
