Toys in Space

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Organize thoughts with graphic organizer - Students can summarize, with drawings or words about the story, to understand the story better. Explore ideas through drawing, then choose your favourite and model it from clay, plasticine, or recycled materials. In this book, the Hoctopize first appears as a silhouette, which increases the tension. Use a white screen and spotlight to explore silhouettes cast by different shapes. Strong characterisation and a distinctive narrative voice go hand-in-hand with the tale-within-a-tale structure to make this a storytelling masterpiece in miniature.

Toys in Space | Literacy Tree

The toys and the Hoctopize are very different, but they probably have some things in common. Talk about what they may share, as well as some of the differences. Look at the spread where all seven toys are introduced, noting the words Mini Grey uses to describe them. What kind of comments do these toys make as the story progresses? Does each toy have a distinct character? Which toy would your children prefer to have with them in a crisis? What do toys get up to when their owners aren’t looking? Share other books such as One True Bear by Ted Dewan, the Teddy Robinson stories by Joan G Robinson (out of print but available second-hand) and Traction Man by Mini Grey, and ask your class to create their own stories and illustrate them. Telling stories to toys There’s even a built-in moral dilemma of exactly the right sort to engage young children, and danger sits alongside zany humour as the reader becomes both spectator and participant, engaging with the action while at the same time commenting on it – just as the toys do in the garden overnight. Look at the illustrations showing the Hoctopize’s birthday, and share memories of your own celebrations. What does a good party need to be successful?

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To help us, Mini Grey has drawn a special Hoctopize outline for Cast of Thousands.It's great for colouring or making activities, and you can also use it to help you draw the outlines that you’ll need for this activity. Thank you, Mini! Look at pictures of the amazing variety of life on earth and talk about the way creatures evolve to fit the place they live. What might creatures from another planet look like?

Toys in Space by Mini Grey KS1 Book Topic - Teachwire Toys in Space by Mini Grey KS1 Book Topic - Teachwire

Create your own illustrations / paintings that show the stars at night. Could you create your own pictures of different constellations? And as evidence against the idea of consistently reading books at a particular time of year: read in February and July. Stupid human proclivity for seeing patterns, even when there aren't any. A boy leaves his toys outside at night and for the very first time they see the starry sky in all its terrifying glory. A tale or two might keep their spirits up, but Wonderdoll’s story is about a drooling alien known as the Hoctopize who kidnaps toys, which doesn’t really help.Plan a new party to cheer up the Hoctopize. Make a list of the items that you need and find out how much they might cost.

Toys in Space - St Philip Westbrook C of E Primary School Toys in Space - St Philip Westbrook C of E Primary School

Make sure everyone understands the idea of a ‘story within a story’, and draw their attention to the way the toys help shape the tale as it happens. What do your class think about the ending? Was the Hoctopize real, after all? 1 | Writing opportunities My view, your view Why is it difficult to understand another person’s point of view? Could we do better? How? Come up with ideas and test them in real life.There is a massive amount in this book for your class to engage with and they will be keen to talk about the story, as well as relate it to their own experiences. What did they think about the book and the way it was illustrated? Did it remind them of anything else they’ve read? Did anything suprise them?

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If you have access to a safe, high location, drop the toys and time how long it takes for them to reach the ground. Collect data to analyse and display. What did your children think about the book and the way it was illustrated? Did it remind them of anything else they’ve read? Did anything surprise them? In a large, clear space, ask children to copy the postures and expressions of these toys. How do we know they’re sleeping? What do people look like when they’re asleep?

Curriculum

Share ideas inspired by this book and extend by reading other stories - there are lots of ideas at the bottom of this feature. When WonderDoll’s story begins, a range of adjectives are used to describe the toys (e.g. resourceful, brave, clever…). Can you make a list of these and add your own adjectives? Use a thesaurus to find some more. Look at the patterns on the Hoctopize’s body. Can you create your own patterns on the ‘Hand Outlines’ template below? Make notes for your children as they reflect, then share what you’ve written and discuss. Use to create a wordbank that everyone can use, then ask children to write about waking from their dreams.