Year 6 - English
Exploring characterisation in 'When the Sky Falls'
'When the Sky Falls': 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 novel, 'When the Sky Falls'. They discuss the historical context and explore the main characters and their motives. Finally, pupils spot comparisons and connections between the characters and explore the key concepts and themes within the text.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how the author has shaped our initial impressions of key characters in 'When the Sky Falls'.
Key Notes
- 'When the Sky Falls' is set in 1941, during the Second World War.
- A 12-year-old boy, Joseph Palmer, is sent from rural Yorkshire to the city.
- Joseph finds himself in the care of Margaret Farrelly (Mrs F).
- The narrative has historical details that are interwoven into the fictional narrative.
- Joseph and Mrs F are both characterised as hostile or cold initially.
Vocabulary To Learn
- summarise: pull out the key information and ideas from the text
- historical context: the time period in which a narrative is set
- characterisation: the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story through their actions, thoughts, dialogue and interactions with others
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may be confused as to why Joseph is heading into the city instead of away from it.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
'When the Sky Falls' is set in 1941, during the Second World War. A 12-year-old boy, Joseph Palmer, is sent from rural Yorkshire to the city.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'summarise'
pull out the key information and ideas from the text.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may be confused as to why Joseph is heading into the city instead of away from it. Correction: Explain that evacuation was not compulsory and many children stayed behind in the city (or were called back home after the 'phony war').
More Lessons In This Unit
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