Free teaching resource for The Hodgeheg by Dick King-Smith. Suitable for KS1–KS2 (Years 1–5). Printable using Ctrl+P.
Pupils create a ‘Hodgeheg Dictionary’ — taking words from the story and writing Max's muddled version alongside the correct version. They can then invent five muddled words of their own in Max's style (swap first letters or syllables).
Ask pupils to design a road safety leaflet — but written for hedgehogs rather than humans. What are the rules? What should you look for? What should you never do? Link to real PSHE road safety learning.
Pa says the road is too dangerous and they should not try. Max says they should keep trying until they find a way. Have a class debate: whose approach is better? When should you keep trying? When should you stop and stay safe?
Max has now taught the whole family to cross safely. What happens next? Pupils write the next chapter: Max and the family visit the park for the first time. What do they find? How do they feel?
The Hodgeheg features realistic hedgehog behaviour. Pupils research real hedgehogs: What do they eat? When do they hibernate? Why are roads so dangerous? What can people do to help? Present findings as a wildlife factsheet.