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      Reading and responding to 'Lulu Gets a Cat' by Anna McQuinn

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can listen to and respond to a story.

      Key learning points

      1. The plot is what happens in a story
      2. Fiction stories can sometimes teach us about real life experiences, such as how to care for a pet
      3. Illustrations, as well as the text, can help us to engage and respond to a story
      4. Illustrations and the text can help us to describe the characters in stories
      5. People can have different personal responses to what they have read

      Keywords

      • Character - a person or animal in a story

      • Plot - what happens in a story

      • Illustration - a drawing in a book

      • Fiction - made up stories with characters, places and adventures which did not happen in real life

      Common misconception

      Pupils may struggle to engage in the story if they don't like cats.

      Spend time discussing Lulu's interest in cats, inviting the children to join in by sharing their own passions. This serves as a captivating hook, fostering a connection between stories and the children's personal interests.

      Teacher tip

      In the front of the book, it says "Lulu does a great job of finding out how to look after her little cat." with a website to find out more in real life. Also, when reading the story, consider jotting down questions to avoid the need to constantly refer back to the slides.

      Equipment

      You will need a copy of the 2018 Alanna Max edition of 'Lulu Gets a Cat' by Anna McQuinn.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The __________ is the name of a story.

      prediction
      author
      Correct answer: title
      illustration

      Q2.
      The __________is a person who wrote a story.

      Correct answer: author
      prediction
      illustrator
      title

      Q3.
      The __________ is the person who draws the pictures in a story.

      author
      Correct answer: illustrator
      reader
      predictor

      Q4.
      What is the correct title of the story?

      Correct answer: Lulu Gets a Cat
      I Get a Cat
      Lulu Gets a Dog
      Lulu doesn't Get a Cat

      Q5.
      Using the title and the illustrations, what can we predict the book is about?

      cars
      Correct answer: cats
      bedtime stories
      sports

      Q6.
      Thinking about the illustrations in the story 'Lulu Gets a Cat', how would you describe Lulu's feelings?

      Correct answer: She feels calm.
      She feels angry.
      Correct answer: She feels happy.
      She feels sad.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Who is the main character in the story 'Lulu Gets a Cat'?

      the man in the cat shelter
      Correct answer: Lulu
      the black cat
      Lulu's mummy

      Q2.
      In what ways does Lulu pretend Dinah is a real cat?

      Correct answer: Lulu gives her pretend cat water.
      Lulu ignores her pretend cat.
      Correct answer: Lulu gives her pretend cat a bed.
      Lulu plays with her toys in her bedroom.

      Q3.
      What does Lulu love more than anything else?

      reading
      Correct answer: cats
      visiting the library
      goldfish

      Q4.
      Which adjectives could you use to describe how Lulu's cat feels when she arrives at Lulu's house?

      excited
      playful
      Correct answer: shy
      Correct answer: nervous

      Q5.
      Why does the author say "Before Lulu can decide, one little cat chooses her!"

      The cat is sleeping and ignoring Lulu.
      The cat does not look interested in Lulu.
      Correct answer: The cat is at the glass looking at Lulu.
      The cat moves away from Lulu.

      Q6.
      Put the main events of the story in order.

      1 - Lulu decides she wants a cat.
      2 - Lulu practises having a cat with a pretend cat.
      3 - Lulu chooses her cat.
      4 - Lulu brings her cat home.

      To help you plan your 1 English lesson on: Reading and responding to 'Lulu Gets a Cat' by Anna McQuinn, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...