Year 6 - English
Exploring characterisation in 'Blackberry Blue'
'Blackberry Blue': 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 the collection of fairytales, 'Blackberry Blue'. They explore how 'Blackberry Blue' addresses and challenges stereotypes through its storytelling and characterisation. Finally, pupils identify connections in the traditional fairytale, 'Cinderella'.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explore characterisation within a text.
Key Notes
- Characterisation is the way an author and illustrator develop the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.
- Authors and illustrators use a range of methods to convey characterisation.
- Stereotypes can often be found in traditional fairy tales.
- Stereotypes can include assumptions based on gender, age and culture.
- 'Blackberry Blue' addresses and challenges stereotypes through its storytelling and characterisation.
Vocabulary To Learn
- characterisation: the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story
- character traits: the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting
- role on the wall: a character analysis activity which encourages readers to infer
- stereotype: a generalised and often unfair or untrue belief about a particular group of people or things
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may believe that all traditional fairy tales include stereotypes.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Characterisation is the way an author and illustrator develop the personalities and traits of the characters in a story. Authors and illustrators use a range of methods to convey characterisation.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'characterisation'
the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may believe that all traditional fairy tales include stereotypes. Correction: Explain that stereotypes are formed as a result of many stories including similar features. Not all traditional tales include them. Stereotypes can also be found in contemporary texts too, which could be explored with pupils.
More Lessons In This Unit
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