51����

Get Boys Writing – Shrek-Inspired Playscript Writing Lesson (Years 3 & 4) – UPDATED for 2025
Fun, laughter and learning with Shrek

This completely unique and updated resource is ideal for engaging lower KS2 pupils—especially boys—in writing through the magic of movies. Using a popular and hilarious clip from Shrek, children explore playscript features and create their own dialogue in the style of the film.

Tried, tested and loved by pupils, this lesson has delivered fantastic results in observation lessons and always brings a buzz of excitement (and a few brilliant impressions) to the classroom.

What’s Included:
• Edited Shrek video clips for classroom use
• A typed-up excerpt of the playscript linked to the video
• Full lesson plan with detailed teaching notes
• Worksheet to help children convert narrative text into a playscript

⸻

Lesson Overview:

Starter / Whole Class Work:
• Watch the specially selected Shrek video clip.
• Discuss how animated characters are voiced by real actors.
• Pupils follow along with a printed excerpt of the script as they watch.
• Rewatch and encourage volunteers to act it out – children love doing the voices.
• Identify features of a playscript together as a class.

Main Activity:
• Pupils are given a written version of the next part of the story (in narrative form).
• Their task is to convert it into a playscript using correct format and features.
• Annotate with different colours for each speaker (e.g., Shrek and Donkey).
• Encourage children to continue the scene in the film’s style – creativity and humour guaranteed.

⸻

“My class absolutely loved this! The voices, the laughs, and the learning – it was a hit. Perfect for reluctant writers.”

If you find this resource useful, please consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps support future updates and improvements.