Understanding the structure and historical context of ‘When the Sky Falls’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify the structure of the story in ‘When the Sky Falls’ and I can describe the historical context of the climax of the book.
Key learning points
- 'When the Sky Falls' is a complex novel with several plot lines - such as Joseph's struggle with reading.
- Different plot lines are resolved at different points in the story.
- We can argue that the air raid at the zoo is the climax of the story.
- The resolution of the story is not a 'happy ending' - the 'problem' of guarding Adonis is resolved by his death.
- The historical context of the climax - the Blitz - is key to the narrative.
Keywords
Climax - the point in the narrative where the suspense and excitement reach their highest point
Resolution - the point where the problems in a story are resolved
Historical context - the background information that existed at a specific period in history
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to identify the story structure within such a long novel.
Emphasise that different problems may be resolved at different points in a story, but we can identify the air raid as the overall climax because it is the point of highest tension.
Teacher tip
You will need to have read the novel prior to beginning this unit; our unit 'When the Sky Falls: reading' provides lessons to support this process. You may want to supplement the lesson with personal accounts of the Blitz and real video footage and photography.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is odd about Joseph's journey at the start of 'When the Sky Falls'?
Q2.Which of the following does Joseph experience in 'When the Sky Falls'?
Q3.Which other character lose family members to the Second World War?
Q4.Which of the following are events in 'When the Sky Falls'?
Q5.Which of the following are true based on 'When the Sky Falls'?
Q6.Which of the following events is most dramatic in 'When the Sky Falls'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put the elements of a narrative structure in the correct order.
Q2.Match the elements of the narrative structure to their meanings.
where the writer describes the setting and characters
where the problems are introduced and tension rises
the highest point of the action and tension
where the problems are resolved
Q3.In which part of the narrative structure would this event fall? 'Joseph rushes through the Blitz to stand guard over Adonis.'
Q4.What 'problem' is resolved by Mrs F snapping Clarence in 'When the Sky Falls'?
Q5.In what way is the 'problem' of Adonis being due to be killed by the council 'resolved' in 'When the Sky Falls'?
Q6.Which 'problems' remain unresolved at the end of 'When the Sky Falls'?
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Understanding the structure and historical context of ‘When the Sky Falls’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Understanding the structure and historical context of ‘When the Sky Falls’, 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 'When the Sky Falls': narrative and journalistic report writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.