Paddington 2 Resource
Paddington 2 is heart-warming and very, very funny. In this action-packed narrative Paddington finds the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday, only to have it stolen. To make matters worse, he is blamed for the theft, while the true thief remains at large.
This celebrated film text offers students a rich introduction to narrative and film language, while presenting valuable opportunities for building emotional intelligence and ethical understanding.
Recommended for Year levels: F-2
Learning areas: English
Capabilities: Personal and Social Capability, Ethical capability
Paddington 2 curriculum links
Paddington 2 is a brilliant film for discussing narrative, character, theme and visual elements.
This resource is designed to continue learning in the classroom after watching the film, and includes class discussion, writing and drawing activities.
Themes in Paddington 2: discuss and respond
1. Difference
Paddington is not from London. Because of this, we see him being treated differently, as an outsider. The film stresses the importance of having a home and a community that is welcoming. The film uses the character of Paddington to show us the contribution of immigrants and how they can enrich our society.
| 1. Have you ever felt shy or lonely when meeting new friends? |
| 2. If you see someone else feeling this way, what could you say or do to make them feel welcome? |
2. Belonging
We all want to belong. It is important for our wellbeing.
| 1. What are some things that make you feel like you belong? (For example, you might be part of a sporting team, or have a group of friends at school). |
| 2. If you see someone feeling left out, how could you help them feel included? |
3. Kindness
In the film, Paddington says, “If we’re kind and polite, the world will be right.”
| 1. What does Paddington mean by this? |
| 2. What is something kind you could do for someone else today? |
| 3. As a class, create a poster that shows all the ways you can be kind to others and include them when they are feeling left out. Put the poster up on the wall in your classroom. |
4. Looking for the good in people
Paddington says “if you look for the good in people you will find it.”
| 1. What are some examples of Paddington looking for the good in people? |
| 2. What happens that changes our minds about the criminals like Knuckles McGinty? |
Narrative: watch and write
As a class, watch this clip of the Barber Shop scene from the film, and answer the questions below.
Use the story map template to help you plan your answer.
| 1. Beginning - What happens in the beginning? What is Paddington trying to do? |
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| 2. Middle - What is the problem? – What are some of the things that go wrong? |
| 3. End - What happens in the end? |
Character: respond and share
Paddington is the main character in this narrative. He is the protagonist. Other important characters in Paddington 2 are the members of the Brown family, Mr McGruber, Knuckles McGinty and Phoenix Buchanan.
Stories often include a character called a villain or an antagonist. This makes the story exciting but we always expect the good-hearted characters to succeed in the end. Phoenix Buchanan is the villain in Paddington 2, and tricks Paddington because of Paddington's kind heart.
| 1. What makes Paddington such a great character? List all of his special qualities. |
| 2. Why is Phoenix Buchanan so good at tricking people? How does this character make you feel? Why does he make you feel this way? |
| 3. Choose a character from the movie and complete this character worksheet |
Visual Imagery and Setting:Drawing and Making
Different types of visual imagery and animation are used in Paddington 2 to enhance the story, from animating the character of Paddington in the real life setting of London, wandering with Aunt Lucy through the pop-up book to Mrs. Brown’s drawings coming to life.
Have a look at the clip below. It is from the part of the film where Paddington imagines how the pop-up book of London might come to life for his Aunt Lucy.
Do you have a favourite place in your neighbourhood? It could be the playground, school or even your bedroom!
As a class, watch our how to video below, then download our template to make your own pop-up page. You can then join the pages together to make one class book.
Teachers: For this activity, you will also need some blank paper, coloured pencils or markers, scissors and a glue stick.
| 1. On a piece of paper, draw your favourite place with coloured pencils or markers |
| 2. Cut out around the edges of your place (ask your teacher for help if you need!) |
| 3. Cut along the dotted line marked on the template page and pop the middle bit forwards |
| 4. Stick your place onto this middle bit that you popped forward |
| 5. On your page, write a short sentence about your special place |
| 6. Fold your page over to test your pop up |
| 7. Once everyone has finished, combine all the pages together to make a class book! |