Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root for The Magic Bed by John Burningham. The children read some stories where fantasy worlds are represented, for example imaginary lands, space, animal homes. The main events for a class story are recorded based on children's suggestions and used to tell the story orally. The teacher will model using a plan from previous week to write a story based on the structure of The Magic Bed use a zig-zag book for children to write into and have one enlarged for children to write into so that each section/new setting is clear. The class plan a story where they are the main character now, not Georgie and that this is their fantastical adventure. This Writing Root would best be begun with a discussion about dreams and beds and where a link to imaginary settings through other texts where characters travel to imaginary worlds. John Burningham’s other texts are good for this – ‘Oi get Off my Train’ is another text with a similar premise.

Synopsis of Text:

Georgie has got a new bed, but it's not like other beds. For each night, Georgie says the magic word and it whisks him away on a fantastic adventure. He loves his bed, but one day he and his family go on holiday, and when they come back, Granny has a big surprise for Georgie.

Text Rationale:

John Burningham is an award-winning illustrator and author whose books and style are an iconic part of many people’s childhood. The Magic Bed is a wonderful introduction to his books and explores the power of the imagination and the magic of childhood. Children can use the book to discuss their own imagined scenarios and develop the language of dreams.  

Links and themes:

Fantasy worlds, imaginary worlds, dreams, coming of age, imagination, fantasy, geography and landscapes

Date written: June 2013