Bridget Stonebridge writes …
We have been writing Just So Stories in Year 5 at our school for some years. As teachers we love how the story teller speaks to the reader, the playfulness of the stories and despite them being short, that they feel complete, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This helps children understand how to structure a narrative effectively, giving them a sense of achievement when they are able to create a fully formed piece of writing.
It encourages the children to think about their audience and purpose, as if they are sharing a special story with someone close to them, making their writing feel more meaningful, personal, and engaging.
The children thoroughly enjoyed writing their stories, taking great delight in dreaming up unusual characters and imaginative scenarios. They also like the sentiment behind the stories; the idea that they are being told by a parent to a child ‘just so…’
How the Giraffe Got Her Neck
How Warthog Became Ugly
How the Hedgehog Got HIs Spikes
How the Hedgehog Got It’s Spikes
How the Owl Got His Twoot
How the Hyena Got His Laugh
[Mar2026 ISB]