Video summary
Actor and comedian Doc Brown explains what he loves about his favourite children鈥檚 book, The Giggler Treatment by Roddy Doyle (illustrated by Brian Ajhar).
He explains that the story - about little creatures called Gigglers who punish adults for being mean to children by making them step in dog poo 鈥 makes him laugh.
He talks about some of the crazy aspects of the plot, and reads an extract which is brought to life with the help of some animation.
This clip is from the series Bringing Books to Life 1.
The Giggler Treatment Teacher Notes
KS1 and KS2 English Discussion Questions
Before watching the video:
- Have you ever read a book that was so funny it made you laugh out loud? What was it called?
- What makes a book funny? Can you give examples of things that make you laugh in a book?
- How does reading a funny book make you feel?
While watching the video:
- Pause at 01:13 - Who are the Gigglers targeting as their next victim?
- Pause at 02:53 - What new and surprising things did Doc Brown find in the book?
- Pause at 04:40 - Why does he think this book is just perfect for children to read but not for adults?
After watching the video:
- Imagine you're a Giggler - what funny pranks would you play on adults to give them the Gigglers' treatment?
- If you were an adult in the book, how would you react if you encountered the Gigglers and their pranks?
- How does laughter and humour in books make reading more enjoyable for you?
KS1 and KS2 English Activity Suggestions
- Giggle-Worthy Story Time: In small groups, children could create a short, funny story featuring Gigglers and their mischievous pranks. Encourage them to share their stories with the class, adding voices, just like Doc Brown!
- Giggler Character Design: Provide art supplies and have the children draw their own Gigglers. Ask them to imagine their appearance and the mischievous actions these magical creatures would take against grown-ups.
- Funny Book Club: Start a funny book club within the class where the children can choose a funny book to read together. After reading, they can have a giggle-filled discussion, sharing their favourite parts and funny moments.
Take a look at our 500 Words resources for further inspiration around story writing.
These videos contribute to the current national curriculum requirements in:
- England - KS1/KS2 English: Develop positive attitudes to reading and understanding of what they read.
- Northern, Ireland - KS1/KS2 Language and Literacy: Extend the range of their reading and develop their own preferences.
- Scotland - 1st and 2nd Level Literacy and English: Reading - Enjoyment and choice.
- Wales - Progression Step 2/3 Languages, Literacy and Communication: Literature fires imagination and inspires creativity.
These discussion questions and activity suggestions provide opportunities to develop english and art and design knowledge and skills in meaningful contexts across all UK curricula, as well as personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.
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