Writing for pleasure, delivered!

Printable teaching resources from a friendly feline
Ages 4-9

FREE

Watch reluctant readers and writers squeal with excitement as they open letters from a globetrotting cat! (...and then write back!)


Reading and writing for pleasure
Supports KS1 geography & English
Lesson plans and printable activities
Use alongside an existing scheme
Use as a standalone unit of work
Rated 5 stars by teachers and parents

Filter by level

KS1
(age 5-8)

Hear how it works from a teacher

Hear about Banjo from experienced primary teacher and former Ofsted inspector, Lizzie Cotton. 

Hello - I'm Banjo!

I travel the world visiting exciting places like the pyramids, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China, sending fun-filled letters to my human friends back home. That’s right, real letters! In the post! Addressed to YOU!

Recently, some teachers asked me to send 3 special letters (and teaching resources) to their classroom, via a thing called DOWNLOAD. They're full of info about the UK, Uganda, Fiji, and the time I got a bit lost in a submarine. I hope you enjoy them!

[Disclaimer: Sometimes Banjo writes his letters with the help of children's authors you may know and love.]

1.

Create some buzz before Banjo writes! Download a 'Lost Cat' poster for your classroom

World map poster

'Lost Cat' posters (one for your staffroom; one for classrooms and hallways)

How it works

Will my class enjoy this? Try Banjo's intro letter!

(Also, yes. Yes, they will.)

Child's reply paper - 9/10 children will write a reply!

Banjo's reply paper - Collect your class' letters from under your desk, and replace them with a personal message from Banjo!

Share with friends and colleagues!

Filter by country

2.

Banjo's UK letter

Travel around the UK! Download a lesson plan, Banjo's UK letter, map, activities, answer sheet and reply stationery.

10-60 min activities, over a term
Suitable for KS1 level / ages 5+
Reading and writing for pleasure
Expanding geography knowledge of the UK
Printable

Or download individual UK resources:

Lesson plan | UK

30 mins


Banjo's letter | UK

30 mins

Activities | UK | Colour

30 mins

Activities | UK | B + W

30 mins

Answer Sheet | UK

30 mins

Map | UK

30 mins


Table Support | UK

30 mins

Guided Reply Paper | UK

30 mins

Teacher Reply Paper | UK

30 mins

DIY Envelope | UK

30 mins

3.

Banjo's Uganda letter

Experience Uganda! Download a lesson plan, Banjo's Uganda letter, map, activities, answer sheet and reply stationery.

10-60 min activities, over a term
Suitable for KS1 level / ages 5+
Reading and writing for pleasure
Expanding geography knowledge of the world
Printable

Or download individual Uganda resources:

Lesson plan | Uganda

30 mins


Banjo's letter | Uganda

30 mins

Activities | Uganda | Colour

30 mins

Activities | Uganda | B + W

30 mins

Answer Sheet | Uganda

30 mins

Map | Uganda

30 mins


Table Support | Uganda

30 mins

Guided Reply Paper | Uganda

30 mins

Teacher Reply | Uganda

30 mins

DIY Envelope | Uganda

30 mins

4.

Banjo's Fiji letter

Learn all about Fiji! Download a lesson plan, Banjo's Fiji letter, map, activities, answer sheet and reply stationery.

10-60 min activities, over a term
Suitable for KS1 level / ages 5+
Reading and writing for pleasure
Expanding geography knowledge of the world
Printable

Or download individual Fiji resources:

Lesson plan | Fiji

30 mins


Banjo's letter | Fiji

30 mins

Activities | Fiji | Colour

30 mins

Activities | Fiji | B + W

30 mins

Answer Sheet | Fiji

30 mins

Map | Fiji

30 mins


Table Support | Fiji

30 mins

Guided Reply Paper | Fiji

30 mins

Teacher Reply | Fiji

30 mins

DIY Envelope | Fiji

30 mins

Support materials

Background story

Find out why Banjo is travelling the world

Letters from Banjo

Written by children’s author, Sylvia Bishop

Maps

Track Banjo’s journey to learn about the world

Lesson plans

Full of ideas from a primary teacher

Geography vocab

KS1 geography words on one handy sheet

Fun activities

Wordsearches to art challenges... and more

Table materials

Extra info to support independent learning

Reply stationery

Paper and envelopes for writing back

More countries to explore! (Plus, stickers!)

Banjo also has a pre-printed, postal subscription - available for £2 / month

Got any questions?

Browse our FAQs below;

Ask Dory (and Lily the dog!)