“My Dad’s A Birdman” was written by David Almond as a play for younger children and later turned into a book written for slightly older children. Set in a town on the River Tyne, it tells the story of Lizzie, who, after the loss of her mother, “parents” her father Jackie, trying to persuade him to get up, get dressed and eat properly. Meanwhile, Jackie is interested only in acting like a bird in every way and winning the Great Human Bird Competition, for which he is busy making wings.

The play brings up issues around parenting, young carers and loss as well as those of hope, faith and dreams. Activities around these can be found in the PHSE section of the pack. The overall feel of the play is one of comedy and hope.  

Thematically, the pack includes ideas around flight and birds. Although these are grouped under curriculum headings, many are cross-curricular in nature. The table gives a broad outline as to the activities.

Jacki Rowley

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