the information from a text that can support or justify our reasoning

an educated guess, based on evidence in the text or prior knowledge

an abstract idea like ‘hope’ or ‘fairness’

a central idea of a text that the author wants us to think deeply about

Exploring concepts and themes in ‘When the Sky Falls’

English

Exploring characterisation in ‘When the Sky Falls’

Explaining characters’ motives

Making comparisons and connections

Exploring characters’ emotions

'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

Depiction of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Why were Joseph and Mrs F crying at the end of the book?

Which of the below does Adonis do to help Joseph? 

What does Joseph do to try and save Adonis?

Adonis chooses to defend Joseph when he could escape.

Mrs F and Joseph comfort each other as they cry. 

Mr Gryce punishes Joseph for cheating on his test. 

Joseph helps Mrs F to the shelter when she is drunk. 

Which of the following are pieces of evidence that support the idea that 'love' is a concept that links to 'When the Sky Falls'?

Which word relates to making you weak and helpless?

Based on your reading up to Chapter 43, what does Adonis do when Joseph enters his cage? 

Which two family members does Mrs F reveal she has sadly lost? 

The bombs are nearby and there is a risk Adonis may be freed. 

The bombs are nearby so it is unsafe to stay at home. 

Why does Joseph have to go to the zoo during the air raid? 

What dangers does Joseph face at the end of Chapter 43 as he guards Adonis? 

Starter Quiz