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

Empathy is the ability to experience and understand other people’s feelings and points of view.

How a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world can be called a connection.

A recommendation is a suggestion for a text that is well-suited to a reader’s age and their interests.

Developing responses to 'Swallow's Kiss' through rich discussions

English

Developing understanding of 'Swallow's Kiss' through rich discussions

In 'Swallow's Kiss: book club’, pupils explored a poetic narrative that focuses on the refugee experience and society's response. In ’Poetry about personal experiences’, pupils will read and respond to a range of poems about feelings, emotions and experiences, before creating their own poems.

In 'Leaf: book club’, pupils explored the theme of environmental impact. In ’Swallow's Kiss: book club’, pupils will learn about the refugee experience through exploring and engaging with an illustrated free-verse novella.

In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the text 'Swallow's Kiss'. They learn about verse novels as a type of narrative and discuss the key themes in the text. Finally, pupils will make connections and recommendations to enhance their reading experiences.

'Swallow's Kiss': book club

the ability to understand other people’s feelings and point-of-view

how a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world

a suggestion for a text that is suited to a reader’s age and interests

Match the following keywords with their definitions.

Which of the following **character traits** does Blessing demonstrate in the text?

What vehicle does Blessing's father drive?

Blessing notices Hani entering a blue door.

Blessing and Hani are invited by a woman to make a wish bird.

Both children make their birds 'fly' around the centre.

Order the following events from the resolution of the story.

True or False? All of Blessing's wishes come true.

Which bird is the free verse novel about?

From whose perspective is the story told?

a friend Blessing meets at a refugee centre

an adult who walks Blessing to her mother's work

Match the character's name to their relationship to Blessing.

True or False? Every time Blessing makes a wish she touches the mark left on her lip as a baby.

Blessing's mother sings Lingala lullabies to both her children.

Blessing supports Hani who has a similar wish to her.

From reading the text, which of the following are true?

Developing responses to 'Swallow's Kiss' through rich discussions

Lesson outcome