Making comparisons and connections
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe key events in Chapters 24 and 25 and I can draw comparisons and connections between characters and their experiences.
Key learning points
- In this section of the book, we see Joseph subjected to bullying.
- Adonis intervenes, putting Bert at risk; Joseph helps Bert escape, but he is not thanked for this.
- We can compare character experiences across a book, identifying a character's lows and highs.
- We can try and spot connections between different characters and their experiences.
- These connections might be intended by the author or not.
Keywords
Prediction - an educated guess, based on evidence in the text or prior knowledge
Compare - make a judgement about the similarities and differences between different things or whether one is better than the other
Connection - a similarity or link between two things
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to see connections between Joseph and Adonis in the second task.
You may wish to discuss the idea of a metaphorical 'cage' midway through pupils' discussions, discussing ways in which Joseph is 'caged' by his difficulties.
Teacher tip
Ensure that you read up to the end of Chapter 34 before the next lesson, either using additional 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 upsetting 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.Based on your reading up to Chapter 23, what is the reason Mrs F points the rifle at Adonis during air raids?
Q2.Why has Joseph been caned at school?
Q3.Why does Joseph say he struggles to read?
Q4.What does Syd tell Joseph has happened to her parents?
Q5.What does Syd do to try and help Joseph read?
Q6.Joseph nearly manages to feed Adonis in Chapter 23. What stops him doing this?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words to their meanings.
without thinking
out of place
area or place
old-fashioned word for someone considered slow at learning things
Q2.Match the word to its meaning.
edge
immediately
good at something
left-over pieces
Q3.Put these events from Chapter 24 in order.
Q4.What is a prediction?
Q5.Which of these could be considered character highs for Joseph?
Q6.In what ways are Joseph and Adonis' situations similar?
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Making comparisons and connections, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Making comparisons and connections, 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.