Building comprehension of 'Blackberry Blue' through rich discussions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can answer a range of comprehension questions on 'Blackberry Blue'.
Key learning points
- The new Queen is poisoning Prince Just. Blackberry Blue cures him and he reappears at the climax of the story.
- Readers can infer by using clues from within the text to draw conclusions.
- Evidence from the text can be used to develop answers to questions and support reasoning.
- Evidence should be concise and justify the point that readers are trying to make in relation to the question.
- An impression of a person, place or thing can be formed by a reader's initial feelings or from prior experience.
Keywords
Inference - to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions
Evidence - the information from a text that can support or justify our reasoning
Impression - initial feelings about a person, place or thing, gained from reading a text
Common misconception
Pupils may have a range of different answers for the final question in Task B.
If pupils' responses can be justified with evidence from the text, they are likely to be good justifications. It may be beneficial to share an example for each option verbally.
Teacher tip
Pupils would benefit from having a copy of key sections of the text to text mark / highlight evidence they can use when writing their responses.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2014 Tamarind edition of ‘Blackberry Blue and other fairy tales’, written by Jamila Gavin with illustrations by Richard Collingridge, for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following features are included on the inside of the character when completing a role-on-the-wall?
Q2.Which of the following features are included on the outside of the character when completing a role-on-the-wall?
Q3.Which character traits and emotions best fit Prince Wolf?
Q4.Which character traits and emotions best fit Blackberry Blue?
Q5.Who makes Blackberry Blue's dresses for the ball?
Q6.Who is the illustrator of the front cover and inside illustrations of 'Blackberry Blue'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions
the information from a text that can support or justify our reasoning
initial feelings about a person, place or thing gained from reading
Q2.True or false? Prince Wolf danced with Blackberry Blue all evening at the Spring and Summer Balls.
Q3.Match the following words to their meanings.
to be filled with intense emotion, usually anger or resentment
something that cures or alleviates a problem or ailment
lacking energy or enthusiasm
Q4.Which creature does the Queen transform into?
Q5.How is the raven Queen killed?
Q6.True or false? An impression always has to be positive.
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Building comprehension of 'Blackberry Blue' through rich discussions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Building comprehension of 'Blackberry Blue' through rich discussions, 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 'Blackberry Blue': reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.