Exploring characterisation in ‘When the Sky Falls’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how the author has shaped our initial impressions of key characters in ‘When the Sky Falls’.
Key learning points
- 'When the Sky Falls' is set in 1941, during the Second World War.
- A 12-year-old boy, Joseph Palmer, is sent from rural Yorkshire to the city.
- Joseph finds himself in the care of Margaret Farrelly (Mrs F).
- The narrative has historical details that are interwoven into the fictional narrative.
- Joseph and Mrs F are both characterised as hostile or cold initially.
Keywords
Summarise - pull out the key information and ideas from the text
Historical context - the time period in which a narrative is set
Characterisation - the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story through their actions, thoughts, dialogue and interactions with others
Common misconception
Pupils may be confused as to why Joseph is heading into the city instead of away from it.
Explain that evacuation was not compulsory and many children stayed behind in the city (or were called back home after the 'phony war').
Teacher tip
You may wish to read Chapter 1 aloud as suggested on the slides (due to its complexity) before giving pupils the chance to read Chapter 2 in pairs. Ensure you read Chapters 3-10 with pupils before the next lesson, either using additional lessons or as 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 upsetting content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which war happened between 1939-1945?
Q2.Which country's army bombed Britain during WWII?
Q3.What was the word given to the intense bombing of Britain's cities in WWII?
Q4.What happened to the majority of children who lived in cities during the Blitz?
Q5.Why were children sent to the countryside?
Q6.What did 'rationing' mean in WWII?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where is 'When the Sky Falls' set?
Q2.Put these events from Chapter 1 of 'When the Sky Falls' in order.
Q3.Match these keywords to their meanings.
destroyed
uncomfortable, not luxurious
sinister, dark
sent to war
Q4.Which statements are correct about Chapter 2 of 'When the Sky Falls'?
Q5.Which of these is the best description of the process of characterisation?
Q6.Match each character to their description.
has no mother
seems to live alone
has gone to war
couldn't cope with his behaviour
is not there for unknown reasons
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Exploring characterisation in ‘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: Exploring characterisation in ‘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': reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.