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Year 4 - English

Understanding the setting and characters in 'The Borrowers'

'The Borrowers': narrative writing and reading

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore 'The Borrowers' through reading and writing activities. They sequence key events, analyse the setting and characters and write a descriptive setting piece. Pupils also plan, write, and edit sections of the build-up, developing their narrative writing skills.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to understand the setting and characters in 'The Borrowers'.

Key Notes

  • The opening introduces the Clock family as the main characters and describes the setting of their home.
  • The Clock family live under the kitchen floorboards and access the upstairs through a hole at the bottom of a clock.
  • The Clock family's home is made up of items borrowed from the human "beans", which are used in new ways.
  • A character trait is a special quality that makes a character in a story unique or interesting.
  • We can infer different character traits of Pod, Homily and Arrietty through exploring their experiences and actions.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • setting: where the story takes place
  • inference: to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions
  • character traits: the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children may find it difficult to distinguish between feelings and character traits.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The opening introduces the Clock family as the main characters and describes the setting of their home. The Clock family live under the kitchen floorboards and access the upstairs through a hole at the bottom of a clock.

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

where the story takes place.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Children may find it difficult to distinguish between feelings and character traits. Correction: Explain that feelings tend to be temporary and shifting but character traits are more permanent. Explore how lots of people feel 'nervous' from time to time, but that it appears as a regular part of Homily's interactions, making it a character trait.

More Lessons In This Unit

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