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      Developing reading preferences in Year 5 through appreciation of characters

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explore characters in historical fiction and non-fiction texts, researching what makes them inspirational

      Key learning points

      1. Historical fiction is a genre in which a fictional plot takes place in the setting of particular real historical events.
      2. Reading about important figures in history can offer readers inspiration in their own lives.
      3. Understanding an inspirational figure's motivations can lead us to connecting with them on an emotional level.

      Keywords

      • Historical fiction - a genre in which a fictional plot takes place in the setting of particular real historical events

      • Empathy - the ability to experience and understand other people’s feelings and points of view

      • Non-fiction - a genre of text which presents real events, information, or knowledge

      • Inspirational figure - a character who embodies certain values or qualities that resonate with readers and serve as a source of inspiration

      Common misconception

      Pupils might think that inspirational characters are only found in two genres of texts.

      Characters can inspire children regardless of the genre they are written in.

      Teacher tip

      The top trumps that are created as part of Task B could be used for a display celebrating inspirational figures in non-fiction texts.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      True or False? The publisher is usually credited on the front cover or spine of a text.

      Correct Answer: True, true

      Q2.
      A publisher is responsible for...

      creating the artwork and illustrations.
      crafting the words in a text.
      Correct answer: editing, printing and marketing the text.

      Q3.
      True or False? Empathy is the ability to experience or understand another person's feelings or perspective.

      Correct Answer: True, true

      Q4.
      True or False? Titles give readers an understanding of what form or genre the text might be in.

      Correct Answer: True, true

      Q5.
      Which of the following can be considered positive character traits?

      selfish
      Correct answer: generous
      Correct answer: honest
      cruel
      arrogant

      Q6.
      Which definition best fits the word inspirational?

      Correct answer: motivating and encouraging, often evoking positive emotions
      full of intense dislike or hostility
      lacking creativity, excitement or originality

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the following keywords to their definitions.

      Correct Answer:historical fiction,a genre including fictional stories set in the past

      a genre including fictional stories set in the past

      Correct Answer:empathy,an ability to experience other people’s perspectives

      an ability to experience other people’s perspectives

      Correct Answer:non-fiction,a genre of text which includes real events and facts

      a genre of text which includes real events and facts

      Correct Answer:inspirational figure,a character who embodies certain values that inspire others

      a character who embodies certain values that inspire others

      Q2.
      Which time period is the text 'Empire's End' by Leila Rasheed set in?

      Tudor
      Victorian
      Correct answer: Roman
      Viking

      Q3.
      What is a suitable definition of historical fiction?

      a text which was written a long time ago
      Correct answer: a text that contains a fictional story set in a real historical setting
      a text with old characters

      Q4.
      When reading non-fiction texts about a person's life, readers can find out...

      Correct answer: biographical information (e.g. their date of birth, place of birth)
      Correct answer: life achievements
      Correct answer: challenges and struggles they faced
      unverified or speculative information
      day-to-day routine

      Q5.
      True or False? Inspirational figures can only be found in non-fiction and historical fiction genres.

      Correct Answer: False, false

      Q6.
      Which of the following examples demonstrate inspiring qualities?

      Correct answer: someone who advocates for equal rights for everyone, no matter their gender
      someone who cheats in a sports game
      Correct answer: someone who campaigns to end child poverty
      someone who intimidates others

      To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Developing reading preferences in Year 5 through appreciation of characters, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...