Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Back to Study HubBrowse Year 5 English Guides

Year 5 - English

Engaging with the context of 'How To Train Your Dragon'

'How To Train Your Dragon': reading

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore the illustrated chapter book, 'How To Train Your Dragon'. They develop their understanding of characterisation and build comprehension of the text through rich discussions. Finally, pupils explore the themes of loyalty, bravery and what makes a hero.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to understand the context of 'How to Train Your Dragon'.

Key Notes

  • 'How to Train Your Dragon' is an illustrated chapter book.
  • The text draws influences from Viking history, Norse mythology and folklore.
  • The text references the notion of being a hero.
  • Understanding the context of the story can help readers build connections and deepen understanding.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • context: The context is the surrounding details that help you understand what you're reading.
  • Norse mythology: Norse mythology is a set of ancient tales of Scandinavian gods, beliefs, and the worlds they inhabit.
  • folklore: Folklore is a genre in which oral stories are shared and passed down over time.
  • impression: An impression refers to initial feelings about a person, place or thing, gained from reading a text.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may not be familiar with some of the Norse mythology references.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

'How to Train Your Dragon' is an illustrated chapter book. The text draws influences from Viking history, Norse mythology and folklore.

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

The context is the surrounding details that help you understand what you're reading.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may not be familiar with some of the Norse mythology references. Correction: Pupils could explore texts that develop their understanding of Norse myths, such as 'Norse Myths: Tales of Odin, Thor and Loki', written by Kevin Crossley-Holland and illustrated by Jeffrey Alan Love.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 5 English guide library.