Exploring themes in 'The Moon Dragons'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and explain the main themes within 'The Moon Dragons'.
Key learning points
- A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story and authors use these to convey deeper meaning.
- Identifying the themes within ‘The Moon Dragons’ helps us understand the deeper meaning behind the story.
- Themes are often communicated through exploring negative and positive character traits.
- Key themes such as bravery, protection and morality are conveyed through Alina’s admirable character traits.
- The themes within ‘The Moon Dragons’ help us consider the complexities of human morality.
Keywords
Theme - a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story
Recurring - something that appears repeatedly
Convey - to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly
Morality - the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour
Common misconception
Pupils may think that there is a 'right' or 'wrong' answer when identifying themes within a text.
Explain to the children that different people will identify different themes within the same text. As themes are not explicitly stated within a text, pupils may interpret them differently. Share everyone's ideas.
Teacher tip
Teach the children that you may notice similar themes within a genre. Encourage pupils to discuss similar themes across different texts they have read, at school and at home.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the 2015 Andersen Press Ltd. edition of ‘The Moon Dragons’ written by Dyan Sheldon and illustrated by Gary Blythe for this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who is the protagonist in 'The Moon Dragons'?
Q2.What character traits does Alina show in 'The Moon Dragons'?
Q3.Order the following events from 'The Moon Dragons'.
Q4.True or false? 'The Moon Dragons' is a historical fiction text.
Q5.What is inference?
Q6.Match the words to their correct definitions.
to find information within the text
to read quickly
to search for something specific
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who is the author of 'The Moon Dragons'?
Q2.Which statement best summarises the meaning of the story ‘The Moon Dragons’?
Q3.Match the keywords to their definitions.
a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story
something that appears repeatedly
to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly
Q4.Select all the themes that may be drawn from 'The Moon Dragons'.
Q5.Match the themes from 'The Moon Dragons' to their definitions.
having the strength to face fear or danger
keeping someone safe from harm or injury
the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad
Q6.True of false? 'The Moon Dragons' conveys the idea that lying is always wrong.
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Exploring themes in 'The Moon Dragons', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Exploring themes in 'The Moon Dragons', 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 'The Moon Dragons': reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.