Keep the Magic Alive!
Follow-Up Activities for The Best-Kept Secret Author Visit
After a captivating author visit, the magic doesn’t have to end! Sophie’s interactive storytelling and sensory workshops brought The Best-Kept Secret to life, and now, we would like to help you keep that magic alive in the classroom. Below are some follow-up activities that tie directly into the UK Literacy Curriculum, designed to build on the excitement of the visit and deepen students' literacy skills. Each activity includes downloadable resources to support you and your students.
Writing for a range of purposes
Curriculum Link: English Programmes of Study - Writing for a Range of Purposes: "Write for a range of purposes, including to entertain, inform, and persuade. Presenting an informed and well-supported opinion, ensuring clarity and structure."
Option 1: Book Review of The Best-Kept Secret
Students can write a book review, discussing the plot, characters, and themes of The Best-Kept Secret. This encourages critical thinking and helps students practice offering opinions supported by evidence from the text.
Download the Book Review Template for students to structure their reviews with clear sections for summary, opinion, and recommendation.
Option 2: Review of the Author Visit
Students can reflect on Sophie's author visit by writing a review of the experience. They will describe what they enjoyed, what they learned, and how the visit helped them connect with The Best-Kept Secret.
Download the Book Review Template to guide students in organising their thoughts into a clear and engaging review.
Option 3: Thank You Letter to the Author
A thank you letter encourages students to reflect on the author visit and formally express gratitude. Students can share what they enjoyed most, how the visit inspired them, and what they learned.
Download the Thank You Letter Template to guide students in structuring their letters.
Argument and Persuasion
Curriculum Link:English Programmes of Study - Argument and Persuasion:"Use evidence, reasoning, and a formal tone to argue a point. Write persuasively to influence others, making clear, well-supported arguments."
Option 1: Persuasive Letter to King James I
After learning about the Pendle Witch Trials, students can write a persuasive letter to King James I arguing for mercy for Elizabeth Demdike. This activity allows students to use reasoning and historical context to build a persuasive argument.
Download the Persuasive Writing Letter Template to support students in structuring their letters with a clear introduction, reasons, and conclusion.
Option 2: Persuasive Speech to the Judge
Students can take on the role of a lawyer and write a persuasive speech to the judge in the Pendle Witch Trials, arguing for Elizabeth Demdike’s innocence based on the lack of evidence and her good intentions.
Download the Persuasive Writing Letter Template to help students structure their speech with a strong opening, logical arguments, and a compelling conclusion.
Diary Entries: Writing from a
Character’s Perspective
Curriculum Link:
English Programmes of Study - Writing (KS2):
"Write from a character’s perspective, using the first person to explore emotions and inner thoughts. Organise writing logically with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use appropriate grammar, punctuation, and cohesive devices."
Option 1: Diary Entry from Elizabeth Demdike
In this exercise, students will write a diary entry from Elizabeth Demdike’s perspective, reflecting on the moment she accidentally created Our Kid the Dragon instead of the Princess for the Knight. Demdike might be surprised, confused, and perhaps worried about what will happen next.
Download the Diary Entry Template for Elizabeth Demdike
Option 2: Diary Entry from Our Kid the Dragon
In this exercise, students write a diary entry from Our Kid the dragon’s perspective, reflecting on the prospect of being alone in the tower without Elizabeth Demdike. Our Kid might feel a sense of loss and fear about the uncertainty of what’s to come.
Download the Diary Entry Template for Our Kid
Option 3: Diary Entry from Elizabeth Demdike
Students write a diary entry from Elizabeth Demdike’s perspective, reflecting on her fears and feelings as she realises she might be imprisoned for life. She might feel guilty for leaving Our Kid behind and wonder what she can do next.
Download the Diary Entry Template for Elizabeth Demdike
Creative Writing: Crafting Descriptions
These follow-up activities are designed to help extend the impact of Sophie's author visit, showing that the magic of The Best-Kept Secret doesn't end after the visit itself!
In addition to these literacy-based activities, we will soon be adding more cross-curricular resources—including art, science, and history activities—that tie directly into the world of The Best-Kept Secret. These resources will provide students with new ways to explore the book, deepen their understanding, and stay engaged with the story long after the author visit.