strong feelings that result from a person's circumstances, mood or relationships with others

draw a conclusion from information and evidence in a text

information or facts to show something is true

particular words or phrases used by the author to convey a certain image or feeling

Exploring characters’ emotions

English

Exploring characterisation in ‘When the Sky Falls’

Explaining characters’ motives

Making comparisons and connections

Exploring concepts and themes in ‘When the Sky Falls’

'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

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

Mrs F was anxious and Joseph was excited and happy.

Mrs F was excited and happy and Joseph was anxious. 

As they left school, how did Mrs F and Joseph feel? 

He thinks she left because of his behaviour. 

He feels like he could have stopped her by making her happy. 

He thinks she was depressed because of him.

Why is Joseph guilty about his mother leaving? 

What does Mrs F mention that persuades Joseph not to run away?

Which word means the same as 'without thinking'?

Which word means the same as 'good at something'?

Bert's dad has complained that Adonis is a danger.

Mrs F still doesn't know that Joseph has difficulty reading.

Adonis could be shot if they don't find him a new home.

The council have given them two months to find Adonis a new home.

Based on your reading up to Chapter 34, which of these are true?

What was Joseph's plan for dealing with Gryce's test? 

He asks him to read a particular page in the book out of order.

He sees Joseph is reading the book upside down.

How does Mr Gryce find out that Joseph can't read? 

Which of the following does Mrs F do when she sees Gryce about to cane Joseph?

Exploring characters’ emotions

Lesson outcome

Content guidance