Overview and Outcomes:

In this three-week Writing Root, children use three different versions of Goldilocks for three different, but connected writing outcomes. Children initially familiarise themselves with the traditional version of the tale, using Lauren Child’s version and identify the elements of a traditonal tale whilst identifying adjectives to describe the character of Goldilocks.  They then use these to create a ‘Wanted’ poster that will be displayed around school. In the next part, children explore the text of Me and You by Anthony Browne where pictures are used to provide a context for why Goldilocks appears at the three bears house. This is a more sympathetic view and the children are asked as an outcome to tell the story from her perspective. In the final part, children write a sequel to the original story, where Goldilocks and the bears meet many years later and they role play and imagine conversations and then look at a published sequel called Goldilocks and Just the One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson.

Text Rationales:

Goldilocks and the Three Bears: This retelling of the classic fairy tale by Lauren Child is enchanting and playful. The photography and set design exquisitely depict a miniature world which was painstakingly created for this text by the theatre designer Emily Jenkins and photographed by the award-winning Polly Borland. This text gives children a wonderful introduction to the iconic fairy tale and could be read alongside Princess and the Pea (2006) which employs the same collaboration. Lauren Child CBE is a prolific, significant award-winning author/illustrator.

Me and You: This is an inventive and innovative retelling of the classic tale of Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears.  This text has a modern setting and explores themes of class, family, happiness and inclusion.  It is a great opportunity for children to deconstruct the original tale and discuss the subtle layers that Anthony Browne has teased out in this retelling. Anthony Browne CBE is an award-winning, iconic author and illustrator who was children’s laureate from 2009 - 2011.

Goldilocks and Just the One Bear: This is a wonderful, award-winning sequel to the classic fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This time it is Baby Bear – all grown up now – who is lost in the city and seeks refuge in a trendy, cosmopolitan home. Whose home could it be? This text provides an opportunity to positively imagine what Goldilocks becomes as an adult. Leigh Hodgkinson is a prolific, award-winning illustrator/author.

Links and themes:

Fairytales, traditional tales, classic fairy tales, miniature worlds, cautionary tales, behaviour expectations, class, family, belonging, happiness, aspirations and dreams, positive female role models, family and friendship

Date written: July 2014