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

A coda is a concluding passage of text that adds closure to a piece of writing, after the text’s ending.

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 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane' through rich discussions

English

Developing understanding of 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane' through rich discussion

In 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane: book club', pupils discussed relationships between characters. In 'The Unforgotten Coat: book club', pupils will revisit the importance of friendship in the context of a nomad/refugee's experiences of migrating to England.

In 'Varjak Paw: book club', pupils discussed a linear narrative and effective characterisation. In 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane: book club', pupils will explore another linear narrative containing themes of adventure, bereavement and friendship.

In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the illustrated chapter book, 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane'. They share their opinion on the text and explore the key themes of love, compassion and loss. Finally, pupils  make connections and recommendations for two other texts.

'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane': book club

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 violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

the qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting

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

True or false? Pellegrina's story is a fairytale that soothes Abilene.

to add illustrations that give greater meaning to the text

to add closure to a text after the story has ended

Finds Edward in a fishing net; brings him to Nellie.

Match the following characters to their descriptions in the text.

Edward was buried under a mound of rubbish.

Edward played with Abilene's daughter and was happy.

What new information does the reader find out in the **coda**?

In 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane', what is the name of the girl Edward lives with on Egypt Street?

Who is the illustrator of 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane'? 

Who fixed Edward's head when he was broken?

Which of the following character traits are shown by Edward in the text?

Match Edward's owners to what they call him in the text.

Edward helps Bryce earn some money by dancing as a marionette.

Edward is thrown into a wall at a diner. His head shatters into lots of pieces.

Edward is found underneath a mound of rubbish.

Which of the following events in 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane' take place in Memphis?

Developing responses to 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane' through rich discussions

Lesson outcome

Content guidance