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Year 5 - English

Exploring and engaging with themes in '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 identify and reflect on the key themes in 'How to Train Your Dragon'.

Key Notes

  • Hiccup's character goes on a transformation throughout the text; he begins the text as an unlikely hero
  • Hiccup's characterisation does not remain fixed; by the end of the text he demonstrates many heroic qualities
  • A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story
  • Themes can leave us with ideas and questions that we reflect on after reading the text

Vocabulary To Learn

  • theme: A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.
  • convey: To convey means to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly.
  • hero: A hero is a protagonist with noble qualities, often saving or helping others.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may find it challenging to think of two distinct similarities and differences.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Hiccup's character goes on a transformation throughout the text; he begins the text as an unlikely hero. Hiccup's characterisation does not remain fixed; by the end of the text he demonstrates many heroic qualities.

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

A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may find it challenging to think of two distinct similarities and differences. Correction: Pupils could mind map character traits of Toothless and compare these to character studies of Hiccup.

More Lessons In This Unit

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