When people think of vampires, the most famous example is Count Dracula. On 26 May, fans will mark the 125th anniversary of the publication of the original book, Dracula, by Bram Stoker. This resources pack includes an article from The Week Junior magazine, along with a sheet of activities designed to get children thinking, talking and writing about what the story means to them.
Debate
We all like a little shock from time to time but are some topics just too frightening for children? Isn’t the world a scary enough place for youngsters without introducing new things to fear? Or do you think today’s children are over protected? In any case, doesn’t introducing characters like Dracula at an early age make people less likely to be scared of monsters as they grow up? What do you think
Writing challenges
Imagine you’re a dentist who is giving a check-up for the first time to someone who you didn’t previously know is a vampire. Write a play-script style dialogue between yourself and your fanged patient in which you gently reveal your surprise and even fear whilst remaining calm and professional.
Or
Write a short narrative extract about a mosquito trying to bite a human.
Investigate
Research and write a factual description of vampire bats. Give details about their size, habitat and behaviour as well as outlining any ways in which they could be a danger to humans or other animals.
Find the entire series of Topical Tuesday resources to download in our Topical Tuesdays collection.
What is The Week Junior?
The Week Junior magazine looks at current affairs and helps children make sense of the world, provides context and clarity to complex issues, improves general knowledge and encourages discussion and debate.
To find out more about The Week Junior and to download its free resources, please go to The Week Junior website.