Lesson plan:

This is the third episode in the series. Teachers will find it useful to refer to background information on the narrative structure of Round the Twist provided in the lesson plan for the first episode,Skeleton on the Dunny, before using these activities.

Pre viewing

Explain that narratives are usually based around a problem which the main character must overcome. Ask students to apply this concept to narratives with which they are familiar. Ask them to watch for the problem on which this episode is based and the way in which it is overcome.

Class discussion

View the episode. After viewing discuss students' views. Defining the problem should generate some discussion, as the problem has a number of sides to it: Pete needs to pass the initiation test to stop Gribble bullying him and to prove his courage. If he simply passes the initiation test however he will have given in to Gribble. If he refuses he will be seen as a coward.

Continuing narratives

In addition to presenting the episode narrative, this third episode establishes the series' continuing narratives of Dad Twist's romance with Ms James and Pete's infatuation with Fiona.

As a whole class

Replay the scenes where Dad sees Ms James and Pete sees Fiona for the first time.

Class discussion

Discuss how these sequences encourage the audience to expect that the relationships will be an important part of the series. Points to note include the use of music, close-ups and the actors' performances (eye contact, smiles, heads inclined towards each other).

A continuing narrative avoids resolution. There are always new problems arising. Ask students to predict the problems and difficulties which Dad Twist and Pete might face in pursuing their respective romances. Encourage students to identify such textual clues as the suggestion of rivalry from Mr Snapper for Ms James' attentions, Dad's awkward behaviour and Fiona's resistance.

Teach students the concept of a continuing narrative as explained in the lesson plan for Skeleton on the Dunny and ask them to suggest examples of other television programs which have a continuing narrative within an episodic structure.

Discuss the role fantasy and magic plays in this and other episodes of Round the Twist. Does the use of fantasy make the program unrealistic? Are we meant to believe in everything that happens?