Exploring concepts and themes in 'A Kind of Spark'

English

Gathering evidence about characters and their relationships

Inferring characters’ thoughts and motives

Exploring relationships and perspectives

Making comparisons

In 'A Kind of Spark’ pupils explored characterisation through the lens of a neurodiverse individual. In ’When the Sky Falls’, pupils will explore a historical setting through the perspective of a young boy.

In 'Girl of Ink and Stars’ pupils read a narrative with a strong-willed, female protagonist in a magical setting. In ’A Kind of Spark’ pupils read through the lens of a female protagonist in a contemporary, modern Scottish setting.

In this unit, pupils read and explore the novel, 'A Kind of Spark'. They gather evidence about the characters by inferring from the text and compare characters both within and between texts. Finally, pupils explore the key concepts and themes from the text.

'A Kind of Spark': reading

Which word best completes the following sentence? 'The __________ crowd waited for Addie to start speaking.'

How would you describe the reaction to Addie's speech? 

Which of the following positive things happen at the end of the book? 

Which word best completes the following sentence? 'Addie found that the cows made good __________: they seemed to listen to everything she said.'

Which of these concepts link best to the story? 

'Different people can get along if they put in the effort.'

'Things that happened in the past can teach us about the present.'

'There's no point trying to change things on your own.'

Which of these themes link best to the story? 

Which characters helped Addie when Emily provoked her, as well as just after? 

because she withheld information from them in the meeting

Why was Nina especially angry with Miss Murphy during their meeting? 

suggests that they reschedule the meeting

What does Mr Allison do to try and decrease the tension in the meeting? 

Which characters below showed bravery in dealing with the situation involving Addie and Emily? 

Exploring concepts and themes in 'A Kind of Spark'

Lesson outcome