Looking for engaging Once I Was a Giant activities for Book Week 2026? This beautiful picture book by Zeno Sworder is a wonderful choice for exploring nature, change, connection and renewal with early primary students.
About the Book
Once I Was a Giant tells the story of a pencil that remembers when she was once a magnificent tree. Through the tree’s memories, students discover how she provided food, shelter and safety for the creatures around her.
The story encourages thoughtful conversations about trees, habitats, transformation and the way all living things are connected.
Classroom Activities for Once I Was a Giant
Make Predictions
Before reading, show students the cover and ask:
- Who or what might the giant be?
- Why does the title say “once”?
- What do you think will happen in the story?
Return to these predictions after reading.
Explore Visualising
Choose a page and ask students to imagine they are the wanderer or one of the frogs.
Students can describe what they might:
- see
- hear
- smell
- touch
- feel
Younger students can draw their ideas, while older students can write a descriptive paragraph.
Compare the Tree
Ask students to compare the tree at the beginning and end of the story.
A Venn diagram can help students identify:
- what has changed
- what has stayed the same
- how the tree continues to help others
Retell the Story
Students can retell the story using a beginning, middle and end organiser.
They can also complete a story map that includes the characters, setting, problem and solution.
Descriptive Writing
Invite students to imagine they are the wanderer seeing the tree for the first time.
Brainstorm adjectives such as:
- enormous
- ancient
- protective
- peaceful
- generous
Students can then use these words to write detailed sentences about the tree.
Tree Writing Craft
Finish your book study with a tree-themed writing craft.
Students can respond to prompts such as:
- I once was a giant.
- I gave shelter to…
- Even though I was cut down…
- The tree helped the forest by…
Display the finished crafts together to create a meaningful Book Week classroom display.
Once I Was a Giant BOOK COMPANION
My Once I Was a Giant book companion includes differentiated story retells, story maps, visualising activities, descriptive writing, a beginning-and-end comparison and a tree writing craft.
The activities are ideal for Book Week lessons, literacy groups, reading responses and classroom displays.
You Might Also Enjoy These Book Week 2026 Activities
If you’re planning your Book Week 2026 program, I’ve got plenty of resources and activity ideas to help make the week engaging, meaningful, and easy to prepare.
Check out these related blog posts:
- Creating a Frog-Friendly Garden with Frogs Are Our Friends
- Book Week Costume Ideas for Teachers (That Are Fun, Easy & Cheap!)
- Teaching the Difference Between Telling and Dobbing with Bob and Dob for Book Week 2026
And check out my Book Week resource collection, and each one includes ready-to-use resources, classroom activities, and practical teaching ideas that you can take straight into your classroom. Happy Book Week planning!
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