Creating The Twits Scene

Overview

This engaging 30-minute lesson introduces students aged 7-8 (Key Stage 2, UK) to using technology creatively by designing a digital scene from Roald Dahl’s The Twits. This lesson integrates English literature with digital skills, supporting the Computing Programme of Study from the National Curriculum.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand the key events and characters in The Twits relevant to the chosen scene.
• Use age-appropriate digital tools to create a visual representation of a scene.
• Develop basic digital literacy skills, including using images, text, and sound in a creative project.
• Collaborate and communicate their ideas clearly through technology.

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Curriculum Links

English (National Curriculum KS2)

• Reading – understanding stories and characters.
• Writing and composition – planning and presenting creative work.

Computing (National Curriculum KS2)

• Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store and manipulate digital content (Computing - KS2).
• Understand the use of sequences, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output (for extension or demonstration).

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

• Collaboration and creativity skills development.

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Resources Needed

• Tablets or laptops with child-friendly digital creation apps (e.g., Book Creator, Scratch Jr, or simple digital painting tools).
• Headphones for sound effects or narration.
• A projector or interactive whiteboard to demonstrate and share work.
• Copies of The Twits or relevant excerpts for reference.
• Basic storyboard templates printed for planning.

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Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Briefly recap The Twits, focusing on a memorable scene, e.g., the glue trap or the birds in the beard.
• Discuss key elements: characters, setting, emotions.
• Show examples of digital scenes created by children in other projects to spark imagination.

Exploration & Planning (5 minutes)

• Hand out simple storyboard templates to plan their chosen scene.
• Prompt students to decide which characters, background, and actions they want to include.
• Encourage use of descriptive words and sound ideas.

Creation (15 minutes)

• Students use tablets/laptops to create their digital scene:
  • Import or draw characters and backgrounds.
  • Add text captions or speech bubbles describing what is happening.
  • Optionally, add simple sound effects or voice narration using the app’s recording feature.
• Teachers support students by circulating, helping with technical skills and encouraging creativity.

Sharing & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Students present their digital scenes to small groups or the whole class via the projector/whiteboard.
• Class discusses what they liked and what was tricky about the digital creation process.
• Teacher highlights how technology helped bring the story scene to life.

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Differentiation & Inclusion

• Provide pre-drawn character assets for students who need extra support.
• Offer voice-to-text features for students with writing difficulties.
• Encourage peer support and paired working.
• Use adjustable font sizes and clear audio to aid accessibility.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation during planning and creation stages.
• Evaluate the final digital scene on creativity, clear use of story elements, and simple digital skills.
• Use self-assessment prompts: “What part of your scene best shows the story?” and “What did you enjoy about using technology today?”

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Extension Ideas

• For more advanced learners, introduce simple coding in Scratch to animate their scene.
• Create a ‘digital gallery’ where all scenes are compiled into a class e-book or digital storybook.
• Link with drama by inviting students to act out their scenes digitally and physically.

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Reflection for Teachers

• Reflect on how effectively technology engaged students with literature.
• Note technical challenges and plan future sessions to build digital confidence.
• Consider feedback from students on their learning experience and interest.

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This lesson not only deepens literary understanding but also builds competency in digital creativity aligned with UK Curriculum priorities, supporting confident use of technology to express ideas meaningfully.