Laughing Your Head Off with ‘Grimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster’ by Nadia Shireen

Return to the forests of Grimwood with Ted, Nancy and the gang. 

This learning resource is connected to the particular ‘Attack of the Stink Monster’ novel, part of the wider Grimwood series from Nadia Shireen.  

You may want to inform your students on the pre-existing series and its extensive novels, however, knowledge of their plot is not necessary to follow this book and therefore the resource. 

Note to teachers:  This book contains some short emotional scenes around the theme of absent parents which some children may be more affected by. Therefore, we recommend reading the book carefully before using it in the classroom or recommending it to pupils, using your best judgement to determine whether the topics covered are appropriate for your class. 

Outcomes and impacts 

The content and activities in this learning resource are designed to support learning outcomes in relation to the curriculum as well as the UNCRC articles 

Curriculum of Excellence: 

• Literacy and English (Writing - Creating texts) - Having explored the elements which writers use in different genres, I can use what I learn to create stories, poems and plays with an interesting and appropriate structure, interesting characters and/or settings which come to life. ENG 2-31a
• Expressive Arts (Drama) - Inspired by a range of stimuli, I can express and communicate my ideas, thoughts and feelings through drama.  EXA 1-13a / EXA 2-13a
• Literacy and English (Writing - Organising and using information) - By considering the type of text I am creating, I can select ideas and relevant information, organise these in an appropriate way for my purpose and use suitable vocabulary for my audience. LIT 2-26a
• Expressive Arts (Art and design) - I can create and present work that shows developing skill in using the visual elements and concepts. EXA 2-03a
• Health and Wellbeing (Mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing - mental and emotional wellbeing) - I understand the importance of mental wellbeing and that this can be fostered and strengthened through personal coping skills and positive relationships. I know that it is not always possible to enjoy good mental health and that if this happens there is support available. HWB 1-06a / HWB 2-06a  

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC): 

• Article 13 (freedom of expression) Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law.
• Article 14 (freedom of thought, belief and religion) Every child has the right to think and believe what they choose and also to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents to guide their child as they grow up.
• Article 29 (goals of education) Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.
• Article 31 (leisure, play and culture) Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities