Exploring characterisation in 'Coming To England'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare characterisation across a series of events.
Key learning points
- Both of Floella's parents leave for England. Floella and three siblings are split and live with guardians.
- Migration to England during the Windrush period (1948-1971) was driven by a combination of factors.
- Floella's characterisation changes as a result of the circumstances she now finds herself in.
- Characterisation is the way an author & illustrator describe and develop the personalities and traits of the characters.
Keywords
Pull factor - Pull factors refer to the attractive aspects or opportunities that draw individuals to a new destination.
Compare - Comparing involves identifying similarities between two or more things, ideas, themes, or texts.
Characterisation - Characterisation is the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.
Character traits - Character traits are the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that character traits remain fixed throughout the narrative.
Character traits do not usually stay static. Adults could display a 'roll on the wall' to note changes in characterisation of Floella as pupils progress through the narrative.
Teacher tip
Floella's response to bullying is very confrontational. You may wish to discuss alternatives during the lesson or as part of PSHE. Before the following lesson, read Chapters 7,8 and 9. Children can read independently or have this read to them.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2021 Macmillan Children’s Book edition of ‘Coming to England’ written by Floella Benjamin, illustrated by Joelle Avelino, for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold. 'Coming to England' is an autobiographical memwar.
Q2.True or False? Floella's early childhood was very positive.
Q3.True or False? The weather in Trinidad was very cold.
Q4.Match the word to its definition.
Q5.Match the word to its definition.
Q6.Look at the map. Which of the following places are located in Trinidad?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following keywords to their definitions.
Q2.Which of the following were pull factors for Floella's father in his decision to leave Trinidad for England?
Q3.Match Floella's siblings to the location where they ended up moving to when her parents moved to England.
Q4.True or False? Floella had plenty of energy while at her new school.
Q5.Referring to page 47, what does the word 'vetted' mean?
Q6.Which adjectives would most appropriately describe Floella at the end of Chapter 6?
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Exploring characterisation in 'Coming To England', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Exploring characterisation in 'Coming To England', 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 'Coming To England': reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.