the point in the narrative where the suspense and excitement reach their highest point

the point where the problems in a story are resolved

the background information that existed at a specific period in history

Understanding the structure and historical context of ‘When the Sky Falls’

English

In this unit, pupils write a narrative climax and use it as the stimulus for writing a diary entry from a character's perspective.

In 'A Kind of Spark’: Narrative Writing', pupils finessed writing a build-up and climax with a focus on switching between the past and present tense to highlight a jump in perspective. In this unit, pupils will write a narrative climax and use it as the stimulus for writing a diary entry from a character's perspective.

In this unit, pupils write a narrative climax and a journalistic report based on the text, 'When the Sky Falls', focusing on changing tone and style to meet each outcome's purpose. The journalistic report is based on an event in the novel. These outcomes can be used for KS2 SATS writing.

'When the Sky Falls': narrative and journalistic report writing

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

Put the elements of a narrative structure in the correct order. 

where the writer describes the setting and characters

where the problems are introduced and tension rises

the highest point of the action and tension

Match the elements of the narrative structure to their meanings. 

In which part of the narrative structure would this event fall? 'Joseph rushes through the Blitz to stand guard over Adonis.'

the problem of Adonis being threatened with removal and being shot

What 'problem' is resolved by Mrs F snapping Clarence in 'When the Sky Falls'?

In what way is the 'problem' of Adonis being due to be killed by the council 'resolved' in 'When the Sky Falls'?

Which 'problems' remain unresolved at the end of 'When the Sky Falls'?

What is odd about Joseph's journey at the start of 'When the Sky Falls'?

Which of the following does Joseph experience in 'When the Sky Falls'?

Which other character lose family members to the Second World War?

Joseph's grandmother gets annoyed and tells him to go to the city. 

Joseph says he will stay with Mrs F forever.

Which of the following are events in 'When the Sky Falls'?

Mrs F and Joseph get along well straight away.

Syd and Joseph instantly become friends. 

Mrs F shares her family story to help Joseph. 

Which of the following are true based on 'When the Sky Falls'?

when Joseph runs through the air raid to the zoo when Mrs F is drunk

Which of the following events is most dramatic in 'When the Sky Falls'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Understanding the structure and historical context of ‘When the Sky Falls’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.