A collection of well-known fairy stories by Hans Christian Andersen, adapted for children aged 7 - 11 and read by Anne-Marie Duff, Sir Derek Jacobi, David Tennant and Penelope Wilton.
Curriculum guidance
Tales of Hans Christian Andersen can be used to target a range of Reading and Writing objectives from the KS2 National Curriculum programme of study for English across Y3 to Y6 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Second Level of the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. Specific objectives include increasing pupils’ familiarity with a range of texts ‘including fairy stories’ and ’traditional stories’.
Pupils have the opportunity to listen to and read a selection of Andersen’s stories - especially adapted for the age group - and respond through a range of speaking and writing activities. Full details of curriculum links and follow up activities are included in the Teachers’ Notes.
Some of Hans Christian Andersen's tales have a dark and pessimistic theme. This means that careful selection of texts is required to ensure age-appropriateness. Please see the teachers' notes below for full synopses and suggestions for use in the classroom.
1. Thumbelina. audio
Anne-Marie Duff reads an adaptation of 'Thumbelina' by Hans Christian Andersen.
2. The Little Mermaid. audio
Anne-Marie Duff reads an adaptation of 'The Little Mermaid' by Hans Christian Andersen
3. The Emperor's New Clothes. audio
Sir Derek Jacobi reads an adaptation of 'The Emperor's new clothes' by Hans Christian Andersen.
4. The Brave Tin Soldier. audio
David Tennant reads an adaptation of 'The brave Tin Soldier' by Hans Christian Andersen.
5. The Wild Swans. audio
Penelope Wilton reads an adaptation of 'The Wild Swans' by Hans Christian Andersen.
6. The Nightingale. audio
Sir Derek Jacobi reads an adaptation of 'The Nightingale' by Hans Christian Andersen
7. The Ugly Duckling. audio
Penelope Wilton reads an adaptation of 'The Ugly Duckling' by Hans Christian Andersen.
8. The Fir Tree. audio
David Tennant reads an adaptation of 'The Fir Tree' by Hans Christian Andersen.
