Planning the opening of 'A Christmas Carol'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can generate precise vocabulary to plan a narrative opening.
Key learning points
- The purpose of the opening is to set the scene and introduce the main characters.
- Ebenezer Scrooge is a miser who holds disdain for Christmas and this contrasts the general atmosphere in the setting.
- The use of precise and descriptive vocabulary ‘shows and tells’ the reader about Scrooge’s character.
- Direct speech is an effective way to convey a character’s thoughts and feelings.
- An effective plan captures key vocabulary and is organised concisely.
Keywords
Opening - the first section of a story where the writer describes the setting and main characters
Contrast - the comparison of two or more elements that are strikingly different
'show and tell' - a writing technique for showing a character’s feelings with description of their actions and expressions
Direct speech - the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text
Plan - a framework that writers create before they write a section or whole text
Common misconception
Children may find it difficult to generate some of their own ideas for precise and ambitious vocabulary.
Model use of a thesaurus and brainstorm ideas as a class to up level simple pieces of vocabulary. For example, instead of 'walked', children might use 'trudged', 'dragged' or 'stomped'.
Teacher tip
Create a character profile for Scrooge when discussing his character and brainstorm a variety of precise vocabulary to describe him. The children can use this to support them in their planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where is 'A Christmas Carol' set?
Q2.What does atmosphere mean?
Q3.What type of atmosphere is conveyed in the setting of London at Christmas?
Q4.What is the name of the main character in 'A Christmas Carol'?
Q5.What is the name used to describe a main character in a narrative?
Q6.True or false? If the main character is introduced at the beginning of a story, describing them is a key part of the opening.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does an author do in the opening of a narrative?
Q2.What does 'contrast' mean?
Q3.Match the vocabulary to the correct definition.
the comparison of two or more elements that are strikingly different
a person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible
the feeling that something is unworthy of consideration or respect
Q4.What is the name for when a group of words is used to describe a noun?
Q5.True or false? I can only use one noun to refer to Scrooge.
Q6.How can I 'show and tell' the reader about Scrooge's character and feelings when describing his movements?
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Planning the opening of 'A Christmas Carol', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Planning the opening of 'A Christmas Carol', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the 'A Christmas Carol': narrative writing and reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.