Exploring a historical scenario linked to ‘A Kind of Spark’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can empathise with a character from a historical scenario and re-enact a scenario to better understand the characters’ motives.
Key learning points
- Those executed or accused of witchcraft in Early Modern Scotland would often have been vulnerable people.
- We can use role play and drama to try and empathise with these characters.
- We also need to consider the motivations of their accusers.
- We should aim to remember that these were real people who suffered real persecution.
Keywords
Empathise - to get inside a character’s head
Dialogue - spoken words between two or more people
Re-enact - act out an event from the past
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to respect the sensitivity of the subject matter.
Encourage pupils throughout to view the accused people as real people. You may want to refer to Addie's response to the school trip to help children understand this.
Teacher tip
Encourage different interpretations of Maggie's story, which is not fully developed in the book. However, you may wish to discourage mention of torture in order to ensure children's dramas remain focused on characters' actions and feelings.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2020 Knights Of edition of ‘A Kind of Spark’ written by Elle McNicoll, illustrated by Kay Wilson, for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which historical event inspires Addie's campaign in 'A Kind of Spark'?
Q2.Which of the following were common beliefs in the Early Modern period?
Q3.What did the Church say was the cause of witchcraft?
Q4.What is the aim of Addie's campaign in 'A Kind of Spark'?
Q5.Which of the following helps Addie to persuade the village to back her campaign?
Q6.Which person does Addie feel is being treated most similarly to the way the 'witches' were treated?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which statements are true?
Q2.Which best explains why Addie feels strongly about the witch trials?
Q3.Which of the following might have provoked accusations of witchcraft?
Q4.How does Addie use Maggie's story to help her in 'A Kind of Spark'?
Q5.Put the key points of Maggie's story, as we imagined it, in order.
Q6.When we're re-enacting a historical event, what are our priorities?
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Exploring a historical scenario linked to ‘A Kind of Spark’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Exploring a historical scenario linked to ‘A Kind of Spark’, 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 Kind of Spark': narrative writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.