Teacher Notes - Key Stage 2
Key Stage Target
Curriculum Links
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
✓KS2
✓Literacy ✓Art ✓Design and Technology ✓Music
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
“Stories and the telling of stories, are the foundations of
human communication and understanding”
Film Director Baroness Beeban Kidron OBE
Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of communication and there are few more engaging
ways to tell a story than through film. Some of the most enduring stories, with the greatest
appeal to children, are fairytales; often featuring European folkloric characters and magic or
enchantment, these have inspired many great films. To tie in with National Storytelling Week
2014, (February 1st- 8th), we have created two new fairytale themed topics aimed at Key Stages
1 and 2. Each features five hand-picked films, accompanied by teachers’ notes, discussion
questions, recommended activities and a worksheet which can be photocopied for use in class
or a school film club. From storyboarding, creating new stories about the characters and
making and performing a puppet show, right through to writing a transcript for audio
description, the activities can be used to develop pupils’ literacy, oral and critical skills and
encourage them to delve into their imaginations.
Teacher Notes - Key Stage 2
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
The films included in this topic are:
Lotte Reiniger: The Fairytale Films – Puss in Boots (1954, PG) 13 mins
Shrek (2001, U) 90 mins
Ponyo (2010, U) 100 mins
The Singing Ringing Tree (1957, U) 75 mins
Penelope (2007, U) 86 mins
Running a film club in your school can enrich the curriculum and allow young people to explore
a wide variety of issues, experience cultures beyond their own, and develop their creativity,
communication skills and confidence.After watching a film students are encouraged to
comment during a post-screening discussion before writing reviews on the website (which has a
real audience of other young people) where they can analyse the film and develop their literacy
and critical skills. Above all, students and teachers can enjoy the shared experience of watching
and discussing a film together.
Set up a free film club and enjoy free access to thousands of films and education resources for
learning through film and about film. To join or for information visit www.filmclub.org, email
[email protected] or call 0207 288 4520.
Teacher Notes - Key Stage 2
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
Lotte Reiniger: The Fairytale Films - Puss in Boots
(2013, PG) 108 mins
Enrichment Focus
This film resource is aimed at age 7+. Suggested subjects for discussion are storytelling,
characterisation and friendship.
What’s this film about?
Spellbinding silhouette animation telling the age-old tale of a talking cat with new boots who
will do anything for his master.
Why this film?
A poor, young son of a miller inherits a cat that is very dutiful but not very useful to his master,
until one day a fairy grants it one wish - the ability to talk! With his new voice and a pair of
boots bought by his master the cat is able to trick a bad-tempered king into thinking his master
is the rich Count of Caribas and the cruel Giant Rumpus into giving him his castle. This fairy tale
made by pioneering German animator Lotte Reiniger weaves its magic amongst the cat’s
sneaky goings on. The black and white cut-out characters and shapes and gentle narration give
the tale that extra bit of enchantment and storytelling charm.
What the critics think
“I thought this was the most magical movie I've ever seen”.
Film club member Sorcha, aged 10
“It's impossible to see exactly how she accomplished it - there must have been some sort of
magic involved”.
Phelim O’Neill, The Guardian
!
Teacher Notes - Key Stage 2
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
Before the film: Starter Activity
If you were given one wish, what would it
be? Why?
After the film: Discussion Questions
1. What did the cat wish for? Why?
2. As well as talking, what else does the cat
receive that allows him to help his
master?
3. Why did the cat choose the King and the
Giant Rumpus to play a trick on?
4. Do you think the cat is a good cat or a
bad cat? Why?
5. What do you think the tale is telling us
about people who are less fortunate or
small like the master and his cat?
Next Steps
1. Get your students’ voices heard by joining
Into Film, running a film club and writing
reviews at www.filmclub.org
2. Write a modern version of Puss in Boots.
Turn your story into a shadow puppet
show and write a narration. Perform your
shadow puppet show to a Key Stage 1
class and ask them for their feedback. Use
the Shadow Puppet Theatre worksheet to
plan your puppet show. Here is a simple
video on how to create a shadow puppet
theatre: http://videos.kidspot.com.au/
videos/puawsfyh
Teacher Notes
1. The cat wished to be able to talk so that he could
be more human and therefore helpful to his
master.
2. The master buys the cat a pair of boots to wear so
that he can look like a gentleman. Alongside his
ability to talk, this allows him to meet and be taken
seriously by the King.
3. The cat picks on the King because he is greedy and
bad tempered and the Giant because he is cruel
and they both have things that his master could
use like money, clothes and a beautiful castle. The
Ogre and the King are not nice characters and the
cat takes advantage of their faults in order to do
good and give his master a better life.
4. The cat is very cheeky and does play tricks on the
Count and the Ogre in order to steal from them.
However, he does it in order to help his master
and give him a better life so his actions, although
morally wrong, are done in aid of doing good for
someone he cares for.
5. Puss In Boots shows that rich people like the King
and the Giant can be led astray by their greed and
become so obsessed with their wealth and
showing off they don’t notice people playing tricks
on them. Whereas, people less fortunate like the
master, or small like the cat, can achieve greatness
by being clever and wise.
Shadow Puppet Theatre worksheet
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
Shadow Puppet Theatre for my new version of Puss in Boots.
1. Think of ideas for your own version of Puss in Boots.
2. Create a storyboard to show what will happen and to plan your
narration.
3. Use the instructions below to create your shadow puppet theatre.
4. Practise your performance.
5. Perform your fairy tale to younger students. Ask them what they
liked and what could be improved in your story.
Shadow Puppet Theatre instructions
You will need:
• An empty cardboard box with the
bottom cut out
• A lamp
• Tissue paper
• Sticky tape
• Lollipop sticks, straws or pipe
cleaners
• Printed pictures of fairy tale
characters (eg. princess, prince,
dragon, witch)
• Scissors
4. Turn down the lights.
1. Stick two sheets of tissue paper to the bottom
of the box.
5. Put the lamp inside the box and turn it on.
2. Carefully cut out the fairy tale characters.
6. Use lollipop sticks to move your characters
around and create a story.
3. Stick the fairy tale characters to the end of the
lollipop stick with sticky tape.
7. Practise your performance.
Storyboard
Teacher Notes - Key Stage 2
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
Shrek (2001, U) 90 mins
Enrichment Focus
This film resource is aimed at ages 7+ but is also suitable for use with ages 5+. Suggested
subjects for discussion are storytelling, characterisation, relationships.
What’s this film about?
Animated comedy about an ogre banished from his cabin home in the woods by an evil lord.
Why this film?
Fat, green and bad-tempered, Shrek may sound far from perfect — but he makes the perfect
ogre. And of course, even ogres need a home, so when Shrek is banished from his cabin by the
evil Lord Farqaad, he does everything he can to put the situation right. Joining forces with a
talkative donkey, he is ordered by Farqaad to rescue a beautiful princess in exchange for his
home — and that's when his problems really start! With lots of cheeky references to classic fairy
tales, from Little Red Riding Hood to Beauty and the Beast, Shrek is filled with countless
moments of great comedy.
What the critics think
“The movie is just like an onion. It works on so many layers”.
Film club member Emma, aged 11
“Combines superb storytelling with state-of-the-art animation” .
Peter Howell,Toronto Star
Teacher Notes - Key Stage 2
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
Before the film: Starter Activity
Describe the kind of hero you would expect
to find in a fairytale.
After the film: Discussion Questions
1. List the classic fairytale characters that
make an appearance in the film.
2. Shrek’s story is very similar to a classic
fairytale; do you know which one? What
makes Shrek’s story similar to it?
3. How is the telling of Shrek’s story
different from that of a classic fairy tale
film?
Teacher Notes
1.
The film includes references to lots of different
fairytale characters including The Three Little Pigs,
Tinkerbell, The Three Bears, Pinocchio, Cinderella
and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, the wolf
from Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty and
The Gingerbread Man.
2.
Shrek is a parody of the fairy tale style and it takes a
lot of inspiration from Beauty and the Beast through
the fact that it’s lead male is an ugly ogre who falls
in love with a beautiful princess. The transformation
of Princess Fiona into an ogre is also a twist on the
Beauty and the Beast tale when the Beast turns into
a handsome prince.
3.
Compared to traditional fairytale films, Shrek uses a
lot of comedy to tell its story. Most of the comedy
comes from through references to traditional
fairytale plots and actions.
4.
Shrek is referring to the fact that he looks big and
ugly people assume he is a scary ogre when in fact,
he is very caring and sensitive. This is also true of
Princess Fiona as she appears beautiful but is in fact
an ogre. You also assume she will be like a
traditional fairy tale princess in need of rescue but in
fact she is strong and can fight and protect herself
just as well as Shrek can. The dragon is initially scary
and dangerous with no feelings but is in fact a girl in
love with Donkey.
4. What does Shrek mean when he says
things can be ‘more than they appear’?
Next Steps
1. Get your students’ voices heard by joining
Into Film, running a film club and writing
reviews at www.filmclub.org
2. Audio descriptions are a way that children
with hearing impairments can understand
the stories told in films. Show students the
American news broadcast about audio
description being recorded for Shrek the
Third from the start until 02:38 http://
www.youtube.com/watch?
v=rr9JYWY7in8. Use the Shrek audio
description worksheet to help your
students create an audio description
transcript of the dragon attacking Shrek
and Donkey from 31:44 to 32:59, before
reading and peer assessing their
transcripts. For further details visit http://
www.rnib.org.uk
Shrek audio description worksheet
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
1. Watch American news broadcast about audio description being added to Shrek the Third. How is
language used to describe the action and pictures for visually impaired children?
2. Watch the scene when the dragon attacks Shrek and Donkey very closely. Make notes on what you
think are the most important parts that would need to be described for people with visual
impairments.
3. Write your audio description transcript. Make sure that you include the following Top 5 Tips for
Audio Description:
Top 5 Tips for Audio
Description
Ideas
Punchy, powerful descriptions
Simple sentences
Interesting sounding words
Rhyme and alliteration
Sound effects for action used
around description
4. Read your description aloud while watching the scene.
5. Peer assess your classmates’ audio descriptions by checking that they included all of the Top 5 Tips
of Audio Description in their versions.
Teacher Notes - Key Stage 2
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
Ponyo (2010, U) 100 mins
Enrichment Focus
This film resource is aimed at ages 7+ but is also suitable for use with ages 5+. Suggested
subjects for discussion are storytelling, characterisation and fairy tales.
What’s this film about?
Magical Japanese animation about a fish who transforms into a girl after being discovered
trapped in a jar at the seashore.
Why this film?
One day little Sosuke is playing by the seashore when he finds a goldfish trapped in a jar. But
Ponyo isn't like an ordinary fish. In fact, soon she isn't a fish at all, having turned herself into a
little girl. Sosuke is happy because he has someone to play with, but there are suddenly great
storms at sea that seem in some way to be connected to Ponyo's transformation... Made by the
great Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki and inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s tale of the
Little Mermaid, Ponyo is a magical and touching animated adventure that will prove entrancing
to younger audiences.
What the critics think
“I really enjoyed this film because it was funny, sweet and magical. The scenery is beautiful and
vibrant”.
Film club member Dorothy, aged 10
“This beautiful, quirky fable has magic other children's movies can't touch”.
Dan Kois, Washington Post
Teacher Notes - Key Stage 2
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
Before the film: Starter Activity
1. Create your own sea fairytale main
character and introduce them in one
sentence. Think about how they look and
behave and the special powers they have.
After the film: Discussion Questions
1. Does the story of Ponyo remind you of
another story about a girl who lives in the
sea and wants to be human?
2. Is Ponyo’s father a good or a bad
man? Why does he act the way he
does?
3. What does Sosuke have to do in order
to allow Ponyo to become a human?
4. What does Ponyo have to give up in
order to become human? Why?
Next Steps
1. Get your students’ voices heard by joining
Into Film, running a film club and writing
reviews at www.filmclub.org
2. Get your students to think about a
possible storyline for Ponyo 2 in groups.
Each group must prepare a pitch for their
sequel. Use the Ponyo 2 Pitching
Worksheet.
Teacher Notes
1. Ponyo was inspired by Hans Christian
Anderson’s fairy tale The Little Mermaid which
was turned into a successful Disney animation in
1989.
2. Ponyo’s father Fujimoto is not a bad man but
he is scared of humans so wants to keep Ponyo
in the sea with him and her sisters. He therefore
acts the way he does because he wants to
protect Ponyo from the humans he thinks will
harm her like Sosuke and Lisa.
3. Sosuke must prove to Ponyo’s mother Gran
Mamere that he loves Ponyo for who she really
is. He does this by telling Gran Mamere that he
loves Ponyo whether she is a human or a fish.
4. Ponyo must give up her powers in order to
become a human. In doing this she is able to
lead the same life as them, without magic and
not be treated differently.
Ponyo 2 pitching worksheet
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
With your group, you must be pitch your idea for Ponyo 2 to your teacher who is the Studio Executive
and persuade them to fund your sequel.
Your pitch should be a maximum of 3 minutes long and must include the following:
1. An explanation of the storyline of Ponyo 2.
2. A list of characters and actors to provide their voices.
3. A persuasive poster to advertise the film.
4. A performance of a 30 second trailer to give a sneak peek into what the film is about.
Success criteria
✓Try to make your sequel as interesting as possible and refer back to Ponyo
✓Think carefully about the actors that you will use to provide voices and be prepared to
explain why you have chosen them
✓Make sure that your poster will appeal to both children and their parents
✓Your trailer should be fun, fast-paced and informative
Teacher Notes - Key Stage 2
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
The Singing Ringing Tree (1957, U) 75 mins
Enrichment Focus
This film resource is aimed at ages 7+. Suggested subjects for discussion are storytelling,
characterisation, relationships.
What’s this film about?
German children’s film based on a Brothers Grimm style fairy tale, which has become an
unlikely cult movie.
Why this film?
First broadcast on British TV in the 1960s, The Singing Ringing Tree had quite an effect on the
nation's youth, with many being able to recall its nightmarish qualities years later. It tells the
story of a selfish princess who is unable to love and has her beauty marred as punishment,
while the sad prince who loves her is turned into a lonely, and not particularly nice, bear. The
film’s wild design, early use of special effects and uncompromising message certainly make an
impression and reveal the darker side of fairytales.
What the critics think
“I think this movie was good I liked the way it looked like it was a pantomine and I liked how the
prince turned into a bear.I thought that it didn't matter that the props were old looking.I would
love to watch it again and I especially liked the back ground music,I would definitely
recommend this to anyone.”
Film club member Alice, aged 9
“I liked it because for small children it would be like a story being read before them”.
Film club member Alexander, aged 8
Teacher Notes - Key Stage 1
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
Before the film: Starter Activity
What do you predict this film is about?
After the film: Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think the magical dwarf was
so keen to cause mischief?
2. How does the soundtrack and narration
affect your viewing of the film?
3. What do you think is the moral of this
film?
4. The Singing Ringing Tree gave a lot of
children nightmares when it was shown
on British television in the 1960s. Why do
you think this was?
5. If you were remaking this film today how
would you improve the special effects?
Next Steps
1. Get your students’ voices heard by joining
Into Film, running a film club and writing
reviews at www.filmclub.org
2. The Singing Ringing Tree is inspired by
tales by The Brothers Grimm. Get your
students to write the story of the film to
go into the DVD sleeve liner. Photocopy
The Singing Ringing Tree worksheet to
help them (they may need multiple copies
depending on how detailed their stories
are.
Teacher Notes
1. This is open to interpretation because there is no
obvious reason for the dwarf’s actions. He is
essential to the story and causes the dilemma
on which the plot hangs — will the princess fall
in love with the prince who has been turned
into a bear by the dwarf?
2. The music starts gently and echoes the steady
trot of the Prince’s horse with flutes and horns.
When they reach the grotto organ music is
introduced and it becomes less melodic and
stranger and hints at the danger that the dwarf
represents. The narration is not dubbed, the
sound was just turned down and the English
recorded over the top. You can hear the
original German dialogue. Young people might
find this distracting or an advantage to learn
new words in another language.
3. The princess is punished for being cruel to
everyone and the animals by being made ugly.
When she is kind to the animals only then can
her outer beauty match her new inner beauty.
4. Remind students that the Brothers Grimm’s
original fairy tales were scary because they
were intended to encourage children to think
about the consequences of their actions. Ask
students for their opinions. You can also play
them the BBC radio documentary on the
impact of the film on children in the 1960s:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/
singing_ringing_tree.shtml
5. Ask students to think about the circle of fire,
when the dwarf flies and the way that the
characters transform on the screen.
The Singing Ringing Tree worksheet
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
1. Use the sheet below to plan the pages and
illustrations.
2. Write your story.
3. Create an illustrated book of your story that can fit
inside a DVD case.
The Singing Ringing Tree
Success criteria
✓Try to use fairy tale conventions such as ‘Once upon a time...’
✓Have a clear narrative structure including an introduction, build-up of action,
dilemma, climax and resolution.
✓Use interesting adjectives and connectives
✓Create a colourful, illustrated book to fit inside the DVD case for the film.
Teacher Notes - Key Stage 2
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
Penelope (2007, U) 86 mins
Enrichment Focus
This Film Resource is aimed at ages 9+. Suggested subjects for discussion are storytelling,
characterisation, relationships.
What’s this film about?
Original, touching film about a young woman who due to a family curse has a pig's snout
instead of a nose, and is pursued by a cruel journalist.
Why this film?
Most of us have parts of our appearance that we're not totally happy with — but we probably
don't have the issues of Penelope. She's a smart and sensitive young woman who, as the victim
of a family curse, has grown up having the snout of a pig instead of an ordinary nose. Having
spent much of her young life hidden away, she's then pursued by a mean-spirited
photographer who want to make a fortune from taking a picture of her and selling it to the
highest bidder. But when his plan results in a case of mistaken identity and, at first, a broken
heart for Penelope, it sets her on the road to solving her problems and facing the world.
What the critics think
“This film was about love, sadness, happiness and fantasy”.
Film Club member Megan, aged 10
“A confident narrative grasp and eccentric visual style creates a richly imagined canvas that
blends old worlds and new”.
David Rooney, Variety
Teacher Notes - Key Stage 2
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
Before the film: Starter Activity
Can you think of a creative curse for a fairy
tale?
After the film: Discussion Questions
1. Why was a curse put on the Wilhern
family? Do you think that it was fair?
2. How did the curse affect Penelope’s life?
Teacher Notes
3. Do you think that Max is a hero or a
villain?
1. The curse was put on them by a witch whose
daughter got pregnant by the Wilherns’ son.
The family refused to let him marry her and he
marries another noble. The witch’s daughter
throws herself off of the cliff.
4. How was the curse finally broken?
5. Penelope is a modern fairy tale - how is it
different from the traditional fairy tales
that you know? Think about settings and
characters.
Next Steps
1. Get your students’ voices heard by joining
Into Film, running a film club and writing
reviews at www.filmclub.org
2. Use the My Modern Fairy Tale worksheet
to help your students modernise a
traditional fairytale
2. Penelope was hidden away from the world and
had no freedom or friends in her life. When
potential husbands see her nose they run away.
When Penelope runs away from home she
finally gets some freedom, a best friend and
new experiences, even if she has to hide from
her parents.
3. Max was a villain at first because he was a
gambler and agreed to be paid by the reporter
Lemon to take a photograph of Penelope. Also
he stole the identity of the real Max Campion so
was not really blue-blood. So when he refused
to marry Penelope to break the curse it looked
like he was being cruel but he knew that he
would be unable help Penelope.
4. The curse can be lifted only by one of her own
which Penelope’s family thought meant a man
of noble birth. When Penelope admits that she
likes herself just the way she is, the curse is
broken and she has a human nose. She had the
power within her all along.
5. Penelope is set in the modern world and in a
city. The characters are more rounded and
there is comedy provided by the character of
Annie. Ask students if it reminds them of any
other fairy tales.
My Modern Fairy Tale worksheet
A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film
1. Think of a fairytale that you would like to modernise.
2. Fill in the organiser below to help you plan your story.
3. Tell your version of the story to your class.
4. Write your story and create a storybook to share with Key Stage 1 children.
Traditional fairy tale
My fairytale
Hero / Heroine
Evil character
Magical character
Set in castle or woods
Obstacle or task
Overcoming evil
Moral
Happy ending
Success criteria
✓Try to use fairy tale conventions such as ‘Once upon a time...’
✓Have a clear narrative structure including an introduction, build
up of action, dilemma, climax and resolution.
✓Use interesting adjectives that are suitable for your audience.
✓Include a range of connectives and punctuation.