Created for Book Week 2025
Celebrate How to Move a Zoo by Kate Simpson and Owen Swan with this cross-curricular activity pack, designed to spark creativity, curiosity and problem-solving in early years and primary classrooms.
This pack includes a mix of craft, writing and maths activities inspired by the true story of Jessie the elephant’s journey through Sydney. Perfect for planning a whole-day experience or weaving into your Book Week plans!
What's Included:
Craft Activities
Rocking Boat Craft – create a rocking craft to show Jessie and Mr Miller crossing the harbour
Jessie the Elephant Craft – cut, colour and assemble your own Jessie
Open-Ended & Guided Writing Templates
Story response pages with flexible prompts
Elephant Research Report – explore fun facts about elephants and record findings
Jessie’s Journey – sensory writing to describe the sights, sounds and feelings of the move
Breaking News – write a newspaper article reporting the big day Jessie walked through the city
Differentiated Maths Activities
Jessie’s Footprint – measure giant footprints using informal units
Feeding Time at the Zoo – plan a feeding schedule and record times on analogue and digital clocks
Moving the Parrots – explore combinations and addition when sharing parrots between cages
Want it all?
Grab the matching How to Move a Zoo slide deck to bring the story to life on your IWB. Includes writing prompts and maths tasks (linked to the worksheets), as well as additional design prompts.
Hive Members Bonus
Enjoy exclusive artwork and themed slide backgrounds to level-up your Book Week experience!