- Character studies
- Narrative from a different animal’s point of view
- Rewrite the ending of the story
- Instructions for looking after a horse
- Write a letter from Trooper Warren replying to his family.
- Questions to ask Michael Morpurgo
- Retell the story
- Character description
- Diary entry in role as character from book
- Radio advert for soldiers to join the war.
- Tell the story from Topthorn’s point of view, using only 400 words
- Imagine you are Trooper Warren, write a report describing the battle and circumstances of your capture.
/ Responding to Text
- The cover shows two photographs merged together. What does it show, how does it make you feel?
- How does the author show that time is passing quickly, look through the whole chapter? Make a note of the vocabulary he uses.
- How does Albert feel about his father?
- How does Albert’s mother want him to feel? Why?
- In this chapter Joey meets Topthorn. Look at the description of the horse. How does Morpurgo present him?
- How do the soldiers feel about going to war?
- What helped Joey to remain calm whilst on the ship?
- Why does Joey like Trooper Warren? Make notes
- Why does Trooper Warren ride Joey in the next battle?
- Michael Morpurgo is able to write pacey and convincing narratives. Look back and discuss with your talk partner what techniques he uses to keep us interested.
- Emilie and her Grandfather are French. How did they treat the horses?
- Why does Joey now enjoy working as a farm horse?
- Why can the officer just take the horses from Emilie and her Grandfather?
- Joey says the men are not cruel, why does he think they do not build a relationship with the horses?
- What is really interesting about the two soldiers coming into no man’s land to get the horse?
- Why does the horse need to get to the veterinary hospital?
Contextualised Grammar
- 1st person diary entries
- Use of metaphors and similes in descriptions
- Types of adverbs
- Types of nouns
- Use of tense
- Developing characterisation through action, description and dialogue - showing not telling
- Water colour paintings
- War artists
- Animal art
- Create own puppets
- Set design