Year 6 - English
Beowulf's burial
'Beowulf': 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 read and explore a translation and adaptation of the Old English epic poem 'Beowulf', written by Kevin Crossley-Holland. They explore the language and the context of the poem and then explore and discuss the chapters sequentially, gaining strong comprehension.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the events that occur after Beowulf's death and explore his legacy for the Geats.
Key Notes
- After Beowulf's death, Wiglaf is furious at the warriors who deserted him.
- Beowulf is given a hero's funeral; the Geats are concerned about their future without him.
- The Geats show that, just as Beowulf wanted, they will remember him after his death.
- We aim to read with fluency and expression; repeated reading supports fluency.
Vocabulary To Learn
- fluency: reading a text accurately, smoothly and with appropriate speed
- expression: reading with feelings and emotion to bring the text to life
- legacy: the long-lasting impact of a person's life on their culture and on other people
- speech: the communication of someone's thoughts, through words, to an audience
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may believe that reading with an angry expression involves shouting or being loud.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
After Beowulf's death, Wiglaf is furious at the warriors who deserted him. Beowulf is given a hero's funeral; the Geats are concerned about their future without him.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'fluency'
reading a text accurately, smoothly and with appropriate speed.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may believe that reading with an angry expression involves shouting or being loud. Correction: Model the fact that you can show an angry tone of voice using even a very quiet voice.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 6 English guide library.