Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root for The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde in which children will explore the text through a range of immersion and engagement activities and will write a range of texts, including diaries, letters, posters, reports, and their own versions (narratives).

Synopsis of Text:

“The Selfish Giant” is of the most famous and didactic fairy tales by Oscar Wilde, called after its main character - a capricious and egoistic giant. This is a parable about the transformative power of love and kindness that brings spring even to the coldest heart.

Text Rationale:

This beloved tale by Oscar Wilde has stood the test of time.  Including themes of love, forgiveness and redemption, the story will help children build compassion towards the characters and develop empathy for those who find themselves in difficult emotional situations.  Following the cycle of the seasons as the giant’s emotions gradually change, there are strong links to the science and geography curriculums.  

Links and themes:

Christianity, giants, friendship, compassion, love, forgiveness, redemption

NB: This Writing Root was updated in June 2025 to align with both the Alexis Deacon abridged version of the text and the original.