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Year 2 - English

Exploring themes in 'The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark'

'The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark': reading

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore the text, 'The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark'. They use a range of strategies to build their understanding of the plot and the characters. Finally, they explore the key themes in the text and give a personal response.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore the key themes in the story and give a personal response.

Key Notes

  • Plop is a young barn owl who is initially scared of the dark but gradually learns to appreciate the night time.
  • Plop meets lots of characters who all help him in overcoming his fear of the dark.
  • A personal response is what you think and how you feel about the story, including whether you liked it or not.
  • The theme in a story is the big idea or lesson that the author wants you to explore and understand through reading.
  • Key themes in 'The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark' are curiosity and courage.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • personal response: what you think and how you feel about the story and whether you liked it or not
  • theme: the big idea or lesson that the author wants you to explore and understand through reading
  • curiosity: a strong desire to know or learn something
  • courage: the ability to do something that frightens you

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think that Plop was not brave because he was scared of the dark.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Plop is a young barn owl who is initially scared of the dark but gradually learns to appreciate the night time. Plop meets lots of characters who all help him in overcoming his fear of the dark.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'personal response'

what you think and how you feel about the story and whether you liked it or not.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may think that Plop was not brave because he was scared of the dark. Correction: Explain to the children that bravery/ courage is all about facing your fears and doing something even though it might frighten you.

More Lessons In This Unit

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