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Year 3 - English

Reading the build-up in 'The Firework Maker's Daughter'

'The Firework Maker's Daughter': reading and narrative writing

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils develop their ability to summarise key events from the text, exploring Lila's feelings in the build-up to these. Pupils plan and write both the build-up and the climax of the story, focusing on developing their use of complex sentences, precise vocabulary and speech.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to summarise the build-up of 'The Firework Maker's Daughter'.

Key Notes

  • Lila's quest intensifies in the build-up in Chapter 4 of 'The Firework-Maker's Daughter'.
  • Suspense is a key feature in the build-up of a story.
  • Moments of suspense keep the reader engaged and wanting to find out what happens next.
  • It is important to focus on moments of suspense when summarising the build-up of a story.
  • Lila faces many setbacks on her journey which she has to show resilience and determination to overcome.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • build-up: the building of action and suspense that leads up to the climax
  • summarise: to pull out the key events and ideas from a text
  • suspense: a state of feeling excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children may find it difficult to remain connected to the different strands of the story. E.g. Lila has made it to the Grotto safely, but Chulak and Hamlet's journey is still crucial.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Lila's quest intensifies in the build-up in Chapter 4 of 'The Firework-Maker's Daughter'. Suspense is a key feature in the build-up of a story.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'build-up'

the building of action and suspense that leads up to the climax.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Children may find it difficult to remain connected to the different strands of the story. E.g. Lila has made it to the Grotto safely, but Chulak and Hamlet's journey is still crucial. Correction: Ask children to consider why a huge element of suspense remains even though Lila has made it to the Grotto. Answer: She may have overcome the challenge of getting there but if Chulak doesn't get the magical water to her then she is still in danger.

More Lessons In This Unit

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