Introducing the context of 'Escape from Pompeii'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand the context of 'Escape from Pompeii'.
Key learning points
- Connecting information in "Escape from Pompeii" to our background knowledge can help us to deepen our understanding.
- Before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii was a busy Roman city.
- Mount Vesuvius erupted on 24 August AD 79.
- The city was covered in ash and many people died.
- The afterword provides the reader with valuable information and context.
Keywords
Historical fiction - Historical fiction is a genre in which a fictional plot takes place in the setting of particular, real historical events.
Context - The context is the surrounding details that help you understand what you're reading.
Afterword - An afterword is a concluding section providing additional insights or reflections after the main content.
Common misconception
Pupils may encounter new or unfamiliar vocabulary in the additional material resources.
Pre-teaching specific terms with definitions or visuals will support less confident readers.
Teacher tip
Highlighting non-fiction texts in your book area that are linked to the Roman Empire will deepen understanding of the subject matter and further engage readers. As pupils have read the afterword independently, you may wish to read the additional materials aloud to the class.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2005 Frances Lincoln Children's Books edition of ‘Escape from Pompeii’ written and illustrated by Christina Balit, 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.What is the capital city of Italy?
Q2.Which of the following best describes a non-fiction text?
Q3.Which of these sentences is correctly punctuated?
Q4.Which of the following best describes a historical fiction text?
Q5.Based on their titles, which of the following are likely to be historical fiction texts?
Q6.Place the following dates in chronological order.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which genre is 'Escape from Pompeii' best described as being?
Q2.Pompeii is located in which part of Italy?
Q3.Match the following keywords to their definitions.
Q4.'Escape from Pompeii' is written and illustrated by which person?
Q5.True or False? Historical fiction texts are entirely fictional and made up.
Q6.Match the new vocabulary from the afterword to its meaning.
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Introducing the context of 'Escape from Pompeii', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Introducing the context of 'Escape from Pompeii', 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 'Escape from Pompeii': reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.