Explaining characters’ motives
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe key events in Chapters 11 and 12 and I can explain why characters have acted in particular ways.
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).
Teacher tip
Try to sprinkle into lessons opportunities for repeated reading of short passages (modelled by you as the expert) to improve fluency. Ensure you have read up to the end of Chapter 23 before the next lesson, using extra lessons or in story time.
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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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put the events of Chapters 1 and 2 in order.
Q2.Match the words to their definitions.
total destruction
chaotic
bizarre and unbelievable
talking quietly and very little
Q3.Which statements are correct based on Chapters 1 and 2?
Q4.Which of the following clues were included to the historical context of 'When the Sky Falls'?
Q5.Which qualities does Mrs F show in the first two chapters of the book?
Q6.Which of the following are rules in Mrs F's house?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which new character was introduced in Chapter 11?
Q2.Which of the following are character traits of Syd?
Q3.Put these events in order to tell the story of Adonis' family.
Q4.Which of the following has Mrs F done to help Joseph be ready for school?
Q5.Match the words to their meanings.
the reason you do something
made clear
work out based on evidence
Q6.Which of the following are reasons that Joseph may not want to go to school?
To help you plan your 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 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.
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': reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.