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When Sugarlump the rocking horse longs to see the world, a magical unicorn with a silver horn and sparkling blue eyes grants his wish and turns him into a real horse. But after trotting around the farm, galloping around a racetrack and even dancing at the circus, Sugarlump learns to be careful what he wishes for. Luckily, the unicorn has one more wish to grant…
English:
- Make a list of the rhyming words in the book.
- Retell the story from Sugarlump’s point of view.
- Write a diary entry for Sugarlump based on his time at one of his new homes (e.g. the farm, the racecourse, the circus).
- Think of words and phrases to describe the places Sugarlump visits. Use these to write a sentence or paragraph about each one.
- Sequence the different parts of the story and retell it using time connectives.
- Think of some speech / thought bubbles to add to the illustrations.
- Create a poster to advertise the circus.
- Write character descriptions of Sugarlump and the unicorn.
- Write a poem about horses or unicorns.
- Create a new set of pages for the book in which Sugarlump visits a brand-new place.
- Could you write a new story about Sugarlump? What other adventures might he have? You could also write a new story in which the unicorn grants wishes to a different character.
- Can you think of other stories where a character has dreams that are granted by a magical creature? Could you write one of your own?
Maths:
- Conduct a survey to find out the favourite animals of the children in your class.
Science:
- Research the topic of horses. Where do they live? What do they eat? What special adaptations do they have?
Computing:
- Use publishing software to advertise a new horse race featuring Sugarlump.
- Use drawing tools to make some illustrations of Sugarlump and the unicorn.
- Design a simple game in which Sugarlump has to collect and pull a cart around a field or run along a race course.
- Record your own ‘read aloud’ version of this story. Here is an example for inspiration:
Design Technology:
- Make a model of a rocking horse.
- Use mechanisms to make a rocking horse move backwards and forwards.
- Choose one of the pages in this story and create a ‘pop-up’ version of it.
- Make puppets of Sugarlump and the unicorn and use them to retell the story.
- Could you make a model of a merry-go-round?
Art:
- This book has glitter on every page! Can you make your own glittery picture?
- Make a collage to recreate one of the illustrations.
- Make a comic strip that retells the main events of the story.
- Draw your own pictures of Sugarlump. Could you give him different colours, patterns or textures?
- Look at photos of horses and use them as inspiration for your own drawings or paintings?
Music:
- Make a melody to accompany the unicorn’s spinning and wish-granting.
Geography:
- Make a map that shows the main locations in the story.
History:
- Investigate how horses have helped people throughout history.
- Research the history of toys, including rocking horses.
Physical Education:
- Create movement sequences inspired by galloping, trotting and prancing.
Religious Education:
- Explore stories from different faiths that involve wishes, hope or transformation.
PSHE:
- What hopes and dreams do you have about the future? What can you do now to work towards your goals?
- Reflect on gratitude and being grateful for what we have.
- Think about kindness and how the unicorn helps others.
