Year 5 - English
Exploring and engaging with themes in 'Mirror'
'Mirror': reading
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the dual narrative text, 'Mirror'. They explore the two stories by inferring meaning from images in the text. Finally, pupils make connections to and from the text, as well as engaging with key themes.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to identify and engage with the key themes in 'Mirror'.
Key Notes
- In 'Mirror' the afterword describes why Jeannie Baker was inspired to make the text and how she created the artwork.
- A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.
- Readers can interpret their own big idea or message from a narrative; readers may interpret a text in different ways.
- Settings and events depicted in the book contribute to the boys' sense of identity and belonging.
- Culture and traditions in each setting are conveyed through unique clothing, architecture, food and daily activities.
Vocabulary To Learn
- afterword: a concluding section providing additional insights or reflections after the main content
- theme: a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text
- convey: to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly
- identity: understanding who you are and your place within the world
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may find it challenging to reflect on a character's identity and sense of belonging in Task B.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
In 'Mirror' the afterword describes why Jeannie Baker was inspired to make the text and how she created the artwork. A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'afterword'
a concluding section providing additional insights or reflections after the main content.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may find it challenging to reflect on a character's identity and sense of belonging in Task B. Correction: Explain to pupils that identity and belonging can be shown through the boys' character traits, their relationships with their families and the actions they perform.
More Lessons In This Unit
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