It's a boring day for our hero – so he roams the street kicking a can. There doesn't seem to be much to do. He spots a swing hanging from a tree. It looks exciting, all bright and new in the dull, grey city.

He enjoys his go on the swing but someone seems to be watching him. Who is it?

Who will the next victim be?

This one is for mature KS2 children and above. I like the fact they take something innocuous and make it into a killer!

Teaching Ideas

• Write a narrative using rich description.
• Write a story about the next victim.
• Maybe he is not dead – what could be in the tree?
• Describe the events in role as the thing in the tree.
• Describe the 'death scene' without saying that he was killed or murdered – leave the reader wondering what has happened.