Explaining characters’ motives

English

'When the Sky Falls' is set during The Second World War. ’No Country’ examines themes of war and political instability in a dystopian future.

In 'A Kind of Spark’, pupils have explored a narrative through the lens of a neurodiverse individual. In ’When the Sky Falls’, pupils will explore the historical setting of The Second World War through the lens of a young boy.

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.

'When the Sky Falls': reading

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Which new character was introduced in Chapter 11?

Which of the following are character traits of Syd?

Put these events in order to tell the story of Adonis' family. 

Which of the following has Mrs F done to help Joseph be ready for school?

He has been made fun of by teachers at schools before. 

Which of the following are reasons that Joseph may not want to go to school?

Joseph narrowly avoids being arrested for theft. 

They take the bus home through bombed-out streets.

Put the events of Chapters 1 and 2 in order. 

Joseph's grandmother could not cope with his behaviour.

Mrs F let Joseph keep the food he'd stolen.

Mrs F says Joseph can do what he wants in the house.

Mrs F and Joseph's grandmother knew each other in the past.

Which statements are correct based on Chapters 1 and 2?

Which of the following clues were included to the historical context of 'When the Sky Falls'? 

Which qualities does Mrs F show in the first two chapters of the book? 

Which of the following are rules in Mrs F's house? 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz