Watch the Live Lesson
Watch the Live Lesson. video
Click here to watch the Live Lesson, now!
Watch the Live Lesson - signed
Curriculum links:
- National Curriculum, England - KS2 English
- National Curriculum, Northern Ireland - KS1 and 2 Language and Literacy
- Curriculum for Excellence, Scotland - Literacy and English 1st and 2nd Level
- Curriculum for Wales - Language, Literacy and Communication, progression step 2
Learning objectives:
- Enjoy using their imagination to create their own story.
- Learn to create interesting characters and settings to bring their story to life.
- Plan their writing by discussing, developing and recording ideas.
- Develop their story planning skills.
What happens in the 500 Words Live Lesson?
Everyone has a story to tell and we want to inspire as many pupils as possible to tell theirs for 500 Words. Hosted by Sir Lenny Henry and Naomi Wilkinson, this Live Lesson was broadcast live from Punchdrunk Enrichment Stores, an immersive theatre venue in London, transformed into a DIY story-building shop designed to unlock the storyteller in everyone.
Together, we explore what makes a memorable character, transform personal ideas into original story creations, and discover how a simple “what if?” question can unlock exciting plot possibilities. Featuring storytelling tips from past 500 Words finalists, the lesson is designed to help children develop the confidence to start their own 500 Words story.
Teaching Guide. document
For downloading/printing
What is 500 Words?
500 Words is the UK's largest story-writing competition for 5-11 year-olds. This year, entries open from Tuesday 29 September and will close at 9pm, Friday 6 November.
Find out more about the 500 Words competition here
Mission Packs
Download the Mission Pack in preparation for the Live Lesson. There are 3 versions available. Choose the option which best suits your needs.
Pupils are still able to participate without access to the Mission Packs. All instructions will be on screen. We recommend that pupils have a notebook and pen or pencil to hand.
Mission Pack: digital. document
Designed to be opened and edited using a tablet. Pupils will be able to type in text boxes and use the pen tool to draw.
Mission Pack: printable booklet. document
To be printed double-sided on 2 sheets of A4 paper. Fold in half to create A5 booklet. Pages are numbered and should run from 1 to 8 when one sheet is placed inside the other. Designed to support black-and-white printing.
Mission Pack: printable A4 sheets. document
This is the best option if you do not have the option to print double sided. Designed to support black-and-white printing.
How to get involved:
This programme was live and accompanied by a live website commentary feed for schools.
We added as many messages as we could to this live commentary page on the day of the Live Lesson.
Please do not send any more emails about this lesson, as they will not be included.
Plase note this live commentary feed has now closed. document
Click here to see if your school had a shout-out.
BBC 500 Words 2026
Find out more about BBC's 500 Words, the UK's largest children's writing competition for children aged 5-11's
Frequently asked questions
Click here for more information about prizes, the final or how to enter.
Watch again: 500 Words 2025 – Live Lesson
For more inspiration, catch-up on our 2025 lesson where Sir Lenny Henry and Naomi Wilkinson went on a mission to collect the key ingredients of a brilliant story
