Explaining characters’ motives
I can describe key events in Chapters 11 and 12 and I can explain why characters have acted in particular ways.
Explaining characters’ motives
I can describe key events in Chapters 11 and 12 and I can explain why characters have acted in particular ways.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- In the book, Joseph has had very negative experiences of schooling which cause him to be anxious about attending.
- When we read, we often think about characters' motives.
- We base our understanding of motives partly on what is made explicit by the author.
- We may also infer motives based on the characters' actions, our own knowledge and our experiences.
Keywords
Fluency - the ability to read a text accurately, smoothly and with appropriate expression
Motive - a person’s reasons for doing something
Explicit - made clear
Infer - to draw conclusions from information and evidence in a text
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that finding evidence that shows a person is feeling a certain way is the same as finding the motives behind their actions and feelings.
Ensure pupils are clear that, for instance, finding evidence that a character is sad is different to explaining why they are sad (the motive).
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Explaining characters’ motives, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Explaining characters’ motives, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 english lessons from the 'When the Sky Falls': reading unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2021 Andersen Press edition of ‘When the Sky Falls’ written by Phil Earle for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
total destruction
chaotic
bizarre and unbelievable
talking quietly and very little
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the reason you do something
made clear
work out based on evidence