Ghostboy

Arriving at their new house, Alfie’s family have very different ideas about their new home. Alfie’s ever-joyful Mum insists the new house is simply wonderful, but Alfie is not so sure. Meanwhile, Granny is still trying to climb out of the car!

With only his pet goldfish Sarah for company, Alfie must embark on the spooky, mysterious, and sometimes dangerous mission of exploring the empty bedrooms upstairs. But are they really empty?

An exciting tale of mystery, mayhem, fun, adventure, danger, bravery, laughter and friendship, ‘Ghostboy’ teaches the very important lesson that some things aren’t always what they seem.

Teaching Ideas and Resources:

English

• Plan your own story with the title ‘Ghostboy’ or ‘Ghostgirl’.
• Write the prequel to this story. Where did Alfie’s family live before? Why did they have to leave?
• The creators of the animation would like to create additional episodes. Could you write a script for one of these?
• Look at the descriptions of the characters on the official site. Can you think of other words and phrases that could be used to describe them all?
• Pause the video at different points and think of some narration to describe what is happening.
• Retell the story from the point of view of Alfie, Ghost Boy, Mum or Granny. How would each version of the story differ?
• Think of words and phrases that describe how mum sees the house when she first arrives. How does Alfie see the house when he first sees it?
• Write a set of instructions to teach Alfie how to look after Sarah, the goldfish.
• Write a set of instructions to teach Alfie how to look after a ghost.
• Who lived in the house before Alfie moved in? Write a story that explains what happened to them.
• Write a persuasive letter from Alfie to his mum, explaining why he doesn’t want to live in the new house.
• Imagine that Ghostboy can talk in the animation. What would he say?
• Make a list of similarities and differences between Alfie and Ghostboy (or Alfie and his mum).
• Write a diary entry from the point of view of the spider or the fly.
• Imagine that you are an estate agent. Create a report that encourages people to buy this property.

Computing

• This animation was created with support from people via Kickstarter. Can you find out more about crowdfunding? Could you plan your own crowdfunding project?
• Look at the ‘behind the scenes’ photos on the Ghostboy site. How was this animation created? What equipment was used? Could you make your own animation using similar techniques?
• Create some images to promote this animation on social media… or a trailer to promote it in the cinema.
• Design an eBook to retell the story of Ghostboy.
• Design an app to accompany the animation. What features would it have?
• Design a ‘Ghostboy’ game. What would be the aim of the game?

Design Technology

• Make some models of the characters in this story. Could you use them for your own animations?

Art

• Look at the storyboards on the Ghostboy site. Could you create storyboards for an animation that you know well?/
• This animation is based on a poem. Choose a poem and make the storyboards for a new animation based on it.
• Pause the video at 2:47 and draw a picture of what Alfie can see.

Music

• Listen to the animation’s soundtrack. How does it change throughout the story? Why is this?
• Could you compose an alternative soundtrack for different parts of the animation?

Geography

• Create a plan view of the house showing the different rooms that Alfie discovers.