Our 4th Class has been thoroughly enjoying reading Kaspar, the Prince of Cats by Michael Morpurgo. To help us connect with the story and its characters, we took part in a special literacy and drama experience where we imagined ourselves as people from the book and wrote letters in character.
We focused on Johnny, the kind-hearted and brave bellboy who becomes friends with Kaspar and young Elizabeth, and on the terrifying Mrs. Blaise — nicknamed Skullface by the staff at the Savoy Hotel! Mrs. Blaise is strict, cold, and always watching, while Johnny is caring, curious, and determined to do the right thing.
We discussed what each character might say in a letter and how their personalities would come across through their words. As we wrote, we explored persuasive language techniques and learned how great writers can weave words to express feelings and viewpoints powerfully.
Afterward, we used our Wheel of Names to randomly select students who would step into character using our costume box. Those chosen brought Johnny and Skullface to life through short performances of their letters — showing expression, tone, and imagination!
The whole class loved watching the performances and discussing how the characters might have felt. It was a fun, creative, and educational experience that helped us understand the story on a much deeper level.
