Andy Griffiths talks
Teaching notes
How to use this resource
‘Andy Griffiths talks’ is part of the larger resource, Writers talk, and aims to stimulate students to read, write and respond to literature. Andy Griffiths is an Australian bestselling author of popular books for young people. He has written 15 books – novels, short stories, creative writing textbooks and nonsense verse. He lives in Melbourne and, when not writing, he travels around the country speaking at schools and writing workshops. His books include the ‘Just’ series of short stories, which has sold over two million copies internationally and won multiple Children’s Choice Awards, and the titles The day my bum went psycho, Zombie bums from Uranus and Bumageddon: The final pongflict. His latest book, Just shocking! is scheduled for publication in October 2007.
The Writers talk resource, along with Griffiths’ texts, can be used to support students working towards outcomes in the Stages 2 and 3 English and Creative Arts syllabuses from the NESA. NESA English syllabuses. The syllabuses can be found at:
Through the Writers talk resource and the study of texts written by Andy Griffiths and their accompanying illustrations, students have the opportunity to:
- learn to read and respond to texts for pleasure and enjoyment
- understand that texts represent real and imaginary experiences
- understand the relationship between the writer and the audience
- develop an awareness of how writers begin and develop their creative process
- explore the collaborative role of artist and author.
English
Stage 2
Through the Writers talk resource and the study of texts written by Andy Griffiths and their accompanying illustrations, students have the opportunity to:
- read and respond to texts for pleasure and enjoyment (RS2.5, TS2.1)
- discuss their interpretation of the ideas presented in texts (RS2.5, TS2.1)
- understand the relationship between the writer and the audience (RS2.7)
- develop an awareness of how writers begin to structure their writing (RS2.8)
- write for a given purpose and audience (WS2.9, WS2.13).
Stage 3
Through the Writers talk resource and the study of texts written by Andy Griffiths and their accompanying illustrations, students have the opportunity to:
- read and respond to texts for pleasure and enjoyment (RS3.5, TS3.1)
- analyse ways in which a writer may use humour to engage an audience (RS3.7)
- develop an understanding of how authors begin and develop the creative process (RS3.7)
- discuss the structure and features of texts (RS3.8)
- write for a given purpose and audience (WS3.9, WS3.13).
Creative Arts
Stage 2
Through the Writers talk resource and the study of texts written by Andy Griffiths and their accompanying illustrations, students have the opportunity to:
- consider their intentions for making illustrations for their own books (VAS2.1)
- discuss the author’s inclusion of illustrations in his texts and how the author and illustrator might work together (VAS2.3).
Stage 3
Through the Writers talk resource and the study of texts written by Andy Griffiths and their accompanying illustrations, students have the opportunity to:
- explore subject matter in relation to their own texts (VAS3.1)
- identify the audience for their own texts and develop illustrations for these with an audience in mind (VAS3.2)
- discuss artworks in the texts and realise that audience members have different opinions about artworks (VAS3.3).
Quality teaching
This resource, along with study of the texts written by the featured author, can be used to address the elements of Quality teaching in NSW public schools.
The Writers talk resource, related classroom discussion and learning activities enable students to:
- explore the features of stories and concepts developed by current writers whose work is acknowledged for its significance (Higher-order thinking)
- experience specialist expertise (the authors) and develop an understanding of the role of the author and of the concepts and ideas that inform and motivate the writing of stories (Deep knowledge)
- learn to use the metalanguage of literary criticism and language use (Metalanguage)
- learn that knowledge is socially constructed with multiple layers and personal interpretations (Problematic knowledge)
- build upon prior knowledge, such as knowledge of the featured author/illustrators and their books (Background knowledge)
- make meaningful connections between subject areas and address outcomes across key learning areas (Knowledge integration)
- recognise and explore connections between their own lives and both the subject matter and creative processes employed by the authors. This might include seeking out other books by the featured authors, or books on similar topics, and sharing their own writing with audiences beyond the school arena (Connectedness)
- use narratives, such as the author interviews, as a way of developing creative processes (Narrative).