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Year 6 - English

Exploring characterisation in 'The Final Year'

'The Final Year': reading

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore the verse novel, 'The Final Year'. They will read and respond to the poems, exploring characterisation and relationships within the story. Finally, pupils will identify the key themes and share their personal responses.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore characterisation in a verse novel.

Key Notes

  • Characterisation is the way an author & illustrator describe & develop the personalities & traits of the characters.
  • 'Role on the wall' is a reading activity that helps readers develop their understanding of a character.
  • "The Beast" refers to Nate's internal struggle with anger and frustration, which he can sometimes struggle to control.
  • Characters can change and develop throughout a narrative and traits they show do not always remain fixed.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • character traits: the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting
  • characterisation: the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story
  • 'role on the wall': a character analysis activity which encourages readers to infer

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think that character traits remain fixed throughout the narrative.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Characterisation is the way an author & illustrator describe & develop the personalities & traits of the characters. 'Role on the wall' is a reading activity that helps readers develop their understanding of a character.

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

the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may think that character traits remain fixed throughout the narrative. Correction: Explain that character traits do not usually stay static. Adults could display a 'role on the wall' to note changes in characterisation of Nate as pupils progress through the narrative.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 English guide library.