Overview and Outcomes:

In this three-week Writing Root, children explore two different versions of Goldilocks (the traditional tale and Me and You by Anthony Browne).  Children initially familiarise themselves with a version available of the traditional tale, exploring what makes a traditional tale.  They select adjectives to describe the character of Goldilocks that they then use to create a ‘Wanted’ poster that will be displayed around school.  They go on to write a simple retelling as well as an apology letter in role as Goldilocks.  Children move on to 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 tell the story from her perspective.  Children receive a letter from a publisher asking them to create a sequel to the story, one in which Baby Bear is the main character who ends up somewhere he shouldn’t.

Text Rationale:

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.

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.  Updated October 2024.  

NB: This is an updated alternative to the original Writing Root for The Goldilocks Project, which used three specific different versions of the text.  This version is still available for schools who have copies of these three texts and wish to use it.