Exploring concepts and themes in 'A Kind of Spark'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can consider how the resolution to ‘A Kind of Spark’ links to different concepts and I can draw out key themes from the whole book.
Key learning points
- When we read texts, we connect them to our own experiences and to 'big ideas'.
- We can identify these 'big ideas' using concepts and themes.
- Readers may interpret texts differently based on their reading of the material or their own experiences and beliefs.
- We can support our views about concepts and themes linked to a text by providing evidence.
Keywords
Evidence - the information from a text that can support or justify our reasoning
Concept - an abstract idea like ‘hope’ or ‘fairness’
Theme - a central idea of a text that the author wants us to think deeply about
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to understand the idea of a 'concept'.
Spend a moment coming up with a list of concepts like 'hope', 'fear' and 'happiness' that you can refer back to.
Teacher tip
Our Year 6 curriculum also contains a writing unit based on this book which can be taught following this reading unit.
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.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words to their meanings.
enjoyed
damaged or intruded upon
shocked and embarrassed
evil
Q2.Match the words to their meanings.
damaged
regret
deliberately upset
smoothly
Q3.Which characters helped Addie when Emily provoked her, as well as just after?
Q4.Why was Nina especially angry with Miss Murphy during their meeting?
Q5.What does Mr Allison do to try and decrease the tension in the meeting?
Q6.Which characters below showed bravery in dealing with the situation involving Addie and Emily?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word best completes the following sentence? 'The __________ crowd waited for Addie to start speaking.'
Q2.How would you describe the reaction to Addie's speech?
Q3.Which of the following positive things happen at the end of the book?
Q4.Which word best completes the following sentence? 'Addie found that the cows made good __________: they seemed to listen to everything she said.'
Q5.Which of these concepts link best to the story?
Q6.Which of these themes link best to the story?
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Exploring concepts and themes in '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 concepts and themes in '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': reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.