Understanding the setting and characters in 'The Borrowers'

English

Engaging with 'The Borrowers'

Describing the setting in 'The Borrowers'

Discussing a section of 'The Borrowers'

Planning a section of a narrative based on 'The Borrowers'

Writing a section of a narrative based on 'The Borrowers'

Editing a section of narrative writing based on 'The Borrowers'

Discussing a section of 'The Borrowers' (part 2)

Planning a section of a narrative based on 'The Borrowers' (part 2)

Writing a section of a narrative based on 'The Borrowers' (part 2)

Presenting a narrative based on 'The Borrowers'

In this unit, pupils learn to use a range of fronted adverbials and adverbial clauses to add descriptive detail. In 'A Christmas Carol', pupils will learn to write a short narrative from a film. 

In 'The Firework Maker's Daughter', pupils developed the skill of writing speech, including using adverbs to describe the speech in further detail. In this unit, pupils will learn to use a range of fronted adverbials and adverbial clauses to add descriptive detail.

In this unit, pupils explore 'The Borrowers' through reading and writing activities. They sequence key events, analyse the setting and characters and write a descriptive setting piece. Pupils also plan, write, and edit sections of the build-up, developing their narrative writing skills.

'The Borrowers': narrative writing and reading

a large, strong building that can be defended from attack

a device with interlocking parts used for fastening things together

a framework of parallel or crossed bars, typically preventing access

Match the vocabulary to the correct definition.

Which member of the Clock family was the only one who knew their way upstairs to borrow from the human "beans"?

a small box commonly used to store jewellery

an old-fashioned piece of furniture with a long seat and high back

the supporting column of something (e.g. a statue or table top)

True or false? Homily was proud of their living room.

They are explicitly written and we retrieve them.

We infer them from a character's experiences and actions.

Homily fretted about Arrietty keeping her jersey clean.

Arrietty stopped writing in her diary to help her mother.

Pod was on a mission to borrow items for the family.

Match the character action to the character trait that can be inferred from it.

True or false? 'The Borrowers' is a historical fiction text.

It is about miniature people who borrow from big humans.

What makes ‘The Borrowers’ a fantasy fiction novel?

What is the name of the protagonist in 'The Borrowers'?

Order the four main parts of a story structure.

He couldn't find the items he was hoping to "borrow".

He had been “seen” by one of the “human beans” upstairs.

He had lost Arrietty on their expedition.

Why does Pod come home distressed in the build-up of the story?

She gets diggers to destroy under the kitchen.

She invites them up to join her in the main house.

When Mrs Driver (the lady who owns the house) finds out about the Borrowers, what does she do?

Starter Quiz

True or false? 'The Borrowers' is a historical fiction text.