Exploring concepts and themes in ‘When the Sky Falls’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe key events in the final three chapters of the book and I can connect the book to relevant concepts and themes.
Key learning points
- In the final stages of the book, we see Joseph saved by Adonis before Adonis is shot dead.
- We also see Joseph and Mrs F united in their grief with Joseph finally learning to trust her.
- We can connect books we read to abstract concepts; we can connect this book to our understanding of 'compassion'.
- We can also identify themes that run through the book - for example, the idea that people are capable of change.
Keywords
Evidence - the information from a text that can support or justify our reasoning
Prediction - an educated guess, based on evidence in the text or prior knowledge
Concept - an abstract idea like ‘hope’ or ‘fairness’
Theme - a central idea of a text that the author wants us to think deeply about
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to identify concepts from the story.
You may prefer to provide a longer list of abstract nouns and allow children to make their own connections.
Teacher tip
Allow plenty of time to complete and discuss the book as it has a very emotive ending that requires some sensitivity and some time for children to reflect on.
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 word is a synonym of 'happiness'?
Q2.Which word relates to making you weak and helpless?
Q3.Based on your reading up to Chapter 43, what does Adonis do when Joseph enters his cage?
Q4.Which two family members does Mrs F reveal she has sadly lost?
Q5.Why does Joseph have to go to the zoo during the air raid?
Q6.What dangers does Joseph face at the end of Chapter 43 as he guards Adonis?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words to their meanings.
chaos
getting stronger
very hungry
pointless
confused
Q2.Match the words to their meanings.
scattered remains
about to fall over
willingness to take risks
unable to believe what's happening
Q3.Why were Joseph and Mrs F crying at the end of the book?
Q4.Which of the below does Adonis do to help Joseph?
Q5.What does Joseph do to try and save Adonis?
Q6.Which of the following are pieces of evidence that support the idea that 'love' is a concept that links to 'When the Sky Falls'?
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Exploring concepts and themes 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 concepts and themes 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.