The Ant and the Grasshoppers Level 12-14

This lively retelling of The Ant and the Grasshoppers is presented as a play, introducing students to theatrical conventions while revisiting a well-known fable. As Ant prepares for winter, the carefree grasshoppers play all day-until the cold season reveals the consequences of their choices. With stage directions, character cues, and expressive punctuation, this format encourages fluency, performance skills, and comprehension strategies such as predicting outcomes and summarising ideas. The text's engaging illustrations and structured dialogue bring energy to shared or group reading.

Educational Benefits:

• Introduces play scripts and supports expressive, fluent reading
• Reinforces themes of preparation, responsibility, and consequences
• Builds understanding of stage directions and dramatic structure
• Develops phonics and vocabulary through word endings and contractions

Classroom Ideas:

• Perform the play as a class or in small groups with simple props
• Discuss the moral of the story and relate it to classroom responsibilities
• Use stage directions to explore drama and movement activities
• Create character profiles to deepen understanding of motivation

Safety & Information:

• Suggested Age: 7-9 years
• Book Size: 210mm x 170mm
• Reading Level: 12-14 (Green)
• Classroom-friendly, with no loose parts