Mr Skip by Michael Morpurgo

‘Mr Skip’ by Michael Morpurgo

ISBN 978-0-00-747678-7

Whole-book projects

The texts in the Reading Attic have been chosen to represent the interestlevel of the year group, and because the writing and plot-lines mean that they are likely to appeal to children and encourage them to read the whole book. As we have concentrated on interest level and quality of writing, it does mean that the extracts may be challenging for some children to deconstruct, so they may need additional support here. The Reading Attic is about encouraging children to read for pleasure; in encouraging them to read the whole book, it does mean that not all children will be able to complete activities unaided in this section of Treasure House.

Teaching input

These projects are designed to foster children’s enjoyment of the whole book by providing open-ended challenges, including fun creative-writing tasks and a book review. The projects could take place across a week or even across half a term, and can be used independently or as a whole-class series of tasks guided by the teacher.

In addition to completing the whole-book projects, read the final extract with the class to round off their experience of the book. Reflect on the overall themes and style of ‘Harry the Poisonous Centipede’. Discuss children’s opinions of the story by taking turns to speak while sitting in a circle or by recording thoughts on sticky notes and adding them to a display.

Project notes

The activities on the following pages can be done as a group or by individuals. Model writing short versions of each with the class before asking them to write for themselves.

Project 1: Enable children to use writing paper and envelopes to make their letters. Children should attempt to use the forms and conventions of informal letter writing (for example, address, date, salutation, sign off). They should also show understanding of the purpose of the letter (to tell a friend about events in Harry’s life).

Project 2: Enable children to draw or paint their character on paper. Children should show imagination and use of descriptive language.

Project 3: Enable children to draw or paint their setting on paper. Children should show imagination and use of descriptive language.

Project 4: Provide books and websites for children to research information about insects, and enable them to make their leaflets on paper. Children should attempt to use the forms and conventions of non-fiction leaflets (for example, headings, sub-headings, bullet points, factual information). They should also show understanding of the purpose of the leaflet (to inform the reader about insects).

Project 5: Enable children to write (or type and print) and illustrate their plans, and then display or share their stories with a wider audience.

Project 6: Children should attempt to answer all sections fully, demonstrating their opinion and explaining their thoughts.

Further cross-curricular assessment opportunities

Drama: ‘Hot-seat’ the characters from ‘Mr Skip’ to explore their feelings.

Geography: Research the country Ireland, where ‘Mr Skip’ is set. Look at the country on an atlas or globe.

Art: Make a giant Mister Skip collage or 3-D sculpture using paper or fabric; use watercolour paints to create donkey/pony illustrations; make ‘Mr Skip’ posters to promote the book.

Final extract

From ‘Mr Skip’ by Michael Morpurgo

The Barnaby Derby took a couple of months to set up. There was a lot of fuss and bother of course, which was great. I mean, I was famous now, really famous, and so was Barnaby. Not Madonna famous, but not far off. And that was all because of Mister Skip of course, and Magnus Finnegan. It was Magnus Finnegan that looked after us through the whole thing.

I won’t forget the day Magnus Finnegan turned up on our estate in his limousine. It was long, and low and snow-white, with blacked-out windows. When he got out he was puffing the biggest fattest cigar I ever saw. He was a film producer, from America he said, and wanted to see me riding out on Barnaby to see for himself if all he’d heard was true. So of course I just whispered the magic words: “Do it for Mister Skip” in Barnaby’s ear, and off he went. I’d done it often enough now by this time to look all super cool and confident when I was riding him, and I’d taught him long ago not to stop too suddenly, and not to dump me in the bin bags either. Magnus Finnegan and Mum stood side by side and watched. When I’d finished, Magnus Finnegan took his cigar out of his mouth and just said one word: “Wow!” Then he and Mum and the driver went up to the flat to have a cup of tea, and to “talk turkey”, he said – whatever that meant, while I put Barnaby back out to grass. Whatever they talked about didn’t take that long. They both came out smiling, so they must have got on well with their “talking turkey”, I thought.

After that it was Magnus Finnegan who organised everything; the radio, the television, all the newspaper interviews and photo shoots. They came from all over the world; Japan, Australia, America, France – everywhere. But no-one got near us for an interview unless Magnus Finnegan said so. He was a good friend to us and we liked him, except that his cigars stank.

Project 1

Pretend you are a journalist. Write a newspaper article about the Barnaby Derby. Use the prompts to help you.

Your headline: ______

When did the event happen?

______

Where did it happen?

______

Who was there?

______

What happened? Give a summary.

______

How did it happen? Give more details.

______

Project 2

Design a new character that would fit in the ‘Mr Skip’ story. Perhaps it could be a new gnome or a friend of Jackie’s. Use the prompts to help you.

Character name: ______

How old is he or she?

______

What does your character look like?

______

What is his or her personality like?

______

From where does your character come?

______

How does he or she know Jackie?

______

Project 3

The settings used in ‘Mr Skip’ are all familiar to Jackie: the skip, the estate, Jackie’s flat, her school and the lock-up. Plan a setting description that could be used in a story about Jackie and Mister Skip. Use the prompts to help you.

Type of setting:______

Where is your setting?

______

What would you see?

______

What would you smell?

______

What would you hear?

______

What could be happening there?

______

Project 4

Design a poster to advertise the Barnaby Derby. Use the prompts to help you.

Heading:______

Sub-headings:______

______

What is happening?

______

Why should people come to it?

______

Project 5

Plan your own short story about Jackie and Mister Skip. Use the prompts to help you.

Setting: ______

Characters: ______

______

Opening sentence: ______

______

Actions: ______

______

Problem: ______

______

How the problem was solved: ______

______

Project 6

Complete this book review about ‘Mr Skip’.

Who is the author of this book?

______

What is the story about?

______

What were your favourite parts?

______

Was there anything you didn’t like?

______

Would you recommend this book to your friends? Why or why not?

______

How many stars would you give this book?