Developing responses to 'Cloud Busting' through rich discussions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can develop my own response to 'Cloud Busting’.
Key learning points
- The character of Sam changes dramatically from the start of the text to the end.
- Characters within the text depict a range of emotions. Character traits can be understood from these.
- Character traits can be explored through the text’s illustrations or words used by the characters.
- Making connections and recommendations can significantly enhance the reading experience and broaden understanding.
Keywords
Character trait - Character traits are the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting.
Connection - How a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world can be called a connection.
Recommendation - A recommendation is a suggestion for a text that is well-suited to a reader’s age and their interests.
Common misconception
The friendship between Sam and Davey is wholly positive or negative.
The relationship between both boys is complex. You may wish to explore the theme of bullying in a separate lesson (e.g. PSHE) to acknowledge the traits that Sam exhibits and what could be done to resolve or address the behaviour.
Teacher tip
Pupils must have read the text in advance of this lesson. When sharing recommendations, make connections to texts that you have read with the class and texts read independently by pupils and allow pupils to make their own peer-to-peer recommendations.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2020 Yearling edition of ‘Cloud Busting’, written by Malorie Blackman with illustrations by Helen van Vliet, for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name of Sam and Davey's teacher in 'Cloud Busting'?
Q2.Which poetry form is the focus of chapter 3?
Q3.Who is the illustrator of 'Cloud Busting'?
Q4.Who is the bully mentioned in the text?
Q5.Which sentence shows someone who is courageous?
Q6.Order the following events from 'Cloud Busting'.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following keywords to their definitions.
the special qualities that make a character in a story unique
how a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world
a text that is well-suited to a reader’s age and interests
Q2.True or False? 'Cloud Busting' contains both fixed verse and free verse poetry.
Q3.At the beginning of the text, what are each of the following characters like? Match their name to the most suitable description.
regrets something that has happened to his friend, who he misses
does not pay much attention in class or assembly
has just joined the school; he is described as 'anxious' and unsure
Q4.By the end of the text, what are each of the following characters like? Match their name to the most suitable description.
lonely but recognises the positive effect that his friend had on him
still remains popular; is remorseful for what happened to Davey
has left the school without saying goodbye to anyone
Q5.What refrain is repeated in Chapter 12?
Q6.True or False? The narrator in 'Cloud Busting' is unreliable.
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Developing responses to 'Cloud Busting' 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: Developing responses to 'Cloud Busting' 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 'Cloud Busting': book club unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.