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Year 4 - English

Developing responses to 'El Deafo' through rich discussions

'El Deafo': book club

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the graphic novel memoir 'El Deafo'. They share their opinion on the text and explore the key themes of identity, family and self-acceptance. Finally, pupils engage in rich discussions around the characters in the text.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to develop your own response to 'El Deafo'.

Key Notes

  • Cece has different relationships with characters within the text, including her family and friends.
  • Characters within the text depict a range of emotions. Character traits can be understood from these.
  • Character traits can be explored through the text's illustrations or words used by the characters
  • Making connections and recommendations can significantly enhance the reading experience and broaden understanding.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • character trait: Character traits are the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting.
  • connection: How a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world can be called a connection.
  • recommendation: A recommendation is a suggestion for a text that is well-suited to a reader's age and their interests.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may list emotions when referring to a character trait.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Cece has different relationships with characters within the text, including her family and friends. Characters within the text depict a range of emotions. Character traits can be understood from these.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'character trait'

Character traits are the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may list emotions when referring to a character trait. Correction: Emotions are temporary. Explain that character traits are linked to characterisation. They are relatively stable over time. Examples of common character traits could be shared with the children prior to Task A.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 English guide library.