Overview and outcomes:

This three-week Writing Root opens with the teacher informing the children that a friendly alien is on the loose somewhere in the local vicinity and needs our help.  Children describe the alien before writing letters of advice. They then begin to read the story and connect with the main character by discussing and writing about Beegu’s feelings as the key events unfold. When the happy ending is revealed, children write in role as Beegu’s parents considering the questions that they might ask her when they are reunited. Children then go on to make sock puppets of their own alien and to write short reports on these before writing their own narrative based on the story shape of Beegu.

Synopsis of Text:

Beegu is not supposed to be on Earth. She is lost. She is a friendly little creature, but the Earth People don't seem very welcoming at all. However, so far she has only met the BIG ones. The little ones are a different matter...

Text Rationale:

This is a heart-warming tale of an alien ­­­– Beegu ­– who crash lands on earth and finds refuge and friendship with the children in a school playground. The story lends itself to discussions about the importance of welcoming, respecting and including others. Alexis Deacon is a significant, award-winning author and illustrator.

Links and themes:

Aliens, friendship, inclusion, space, belonging, kindness.

Date written: 2014.  Updated November 2024.

This is an updated, 3 week version of the Writing Root for Beegu. If you would like the original 10 session Writing Root, please get in touch.