Orpheus

In one class we read the story of Orpheus. The hero is a fine musician, and we used a simple structure to produce sentences: when he played, when he plucked the strings, when he sang, etc. the first extract was by the class:

When Orpheus played his lyre, volcanoes erupted in streams of gold. When he plucked his instrument, soldiers hugged each other and threw away their weapons. When he sang his lyrics, the sun rose at midnight. Seeds sprouted in seconds, and flowers blossomed in the winter snow. When Orpheus performed his concerts, everyone came from far and near to admire his heavenly talent.

Then the children worked in pairs to produce short passages, which I’ve edited below:

When Orpheus played his harp, the dead came back to life. Sharks began to talk and eat seaweed when he played. When he sang his songs, butterflies and birds sang along with him. Snowflakes turned into pieces of white chocolate when he strummed his harp. Brown earth turned into tasty chocolate and fish could survive without water

Callum/Courtney/Rachel

When Orpheus played the harp, the weather changed. When he sang his songs, the sky filled with rainbows. As he plucked his lyre, people came back to life. When he played, predators became friends and daisies began to grow. When he stroked his instrument, snowflakes became scented petals. When he sang, soldiers put down their weapons to listen. When Orpheus played his harp, money grew on trees. When he played his outstanding music, people didn’t know what racism was. When he played his marvelous instrument people never felt ill and the most evil of people became good.

Daniel P/Kyra/Adam W/Casey L

When Orpheus played the harp, every wish came true. When he plucked the strings, all sharks became vegetarians. When he sang, the sun and moon came out together. When he performed, all seeds sprouted in a flash. When he played the harp, all dragons became friendly. Snakes stopped biting and became pets. When he sang, all the grass started to dance. When he sang his songs, bullies stopped picking on little kids. There was no need for hospitals and beautiful music washed through the world. When he plucked his harp, endangered species were safe again.

Bethan W/Sophie/Connor C/Casey M

When Orpheus played the harp, the sad became happy. When he sang his heavenly tunes, enemies became friends. The lonely became the world’s friends and the poor became rich. When he sang, a colourful rainbow appeared. When he performed his rhythms, money fell from the sky When Orpheus performed his music, people who gave up refused to let go whatever happened. the sun turned to gold, the moon turned to silver and the stars became diamonds. When he played his enchanting lyrics, angels cried with joy. When Orpheus sang, all cuts and wounds healed in seconds.

Alex H/Katie D/Sarah S/Ryan M

Stories and myths came true as Orpheus performed! As he played his lyrics, all crime faded. When he plucked the strings, water appeared in dry counties, when he performed, the blind could see and the cripples could walk. Stars shone in the morning and the sun shone at night. Wars ended and people were happy. When he played, fish danced in mid-air. When he sang his heavenly songs, people in pain felt comfortable.

Matthew Audito

When Orpheus played the harp, the sun came out and the rain fell down and people came out of their homes to listen. When he plucked the strings, animals loved all people. When he flicked the notes, poachers stopped killing animals. When he strummed his instrument, every dead plant and tree came back to life. When he performed music, people came younger. When he sang his songs, the hunted became the hunters.

Cameron/Brooklyn/Tai/Kayia

When Orpheus sang his outstanding songs, bullies helped little kids. When he played his music, the lion lay down with the lamb. When Orpheus played the harp the bad weather improved. When he played his rhythms, angels burst out from heaven and started to dance. When Orpheus played his instrument, the poachers stopped poaching and threw away their traps and weapons. Everyone stopped fighting and started dancing.

Sir/Keiron B/Danny H/Jake

When Orpheus played the harp, every wish came true. When he plucked the strings, all misery was transformed to everlasting happiness. When he played his joyful tunes, all wars ended. When he played the harp, there was enough food for everyone in the world. When he sang, all the grass started to dance. When he sang his songs, rain turned into money. When he played his lyre, endangered creatures survived. People didn’t die and the dead came back to life.

Abby/Lori/Bethany H