Ian Beck's ‘Propping Up The Line’: Alice’s experiences on the Home Front
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can rewrite a passage of Ian Beck's ‘Propping Up The Line’ from the perspective of the character of Alice.
Key learning points
- The Home Front refers to the idea that those in Britain felt the impact of World War One in their day to day lives.
- Food shortages, bombs and fear of invasion are some of the ways civilians in Britain were affected by World War One.
- When loved ones returned home from the front line, there were often complex and conflicting emotions.
- Many women found employment during World War One, filling the labour shortage because so many men were fighting.
- Telegrams were a common method of communication during World War One.
Keywords
Telegram - a short written message, now outdated; used in WW1 to inform family members of death or casualty on the front line.
Proximity - being close to something.
Ignorance - lack of knowledge or understanding.
Perspective - point of view.
Infer - to work out, to make an educated guess.
Common misconception
Those living in Britain during World War One faced no threat or privation other than their loved ones being far away.
World War One was what is known as 'total war' meaning that those in Britain felt its impact in their day to day life.
Teacher tip
Consider how long you wish your pupils to write for, and then work out the rest of the timings of the lesson from there.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the 2014 edition of Stories of World War One, edited by Tony Bradman to read 'Propping Up the Line' by Ian Beck.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Propping Up The Line' (Literary perspectives from the First World War) what perspective does Ian Beck choose to write from?
Q2.In 'Propping Up The Line' (Literary perspectives from the First World War) where and when is Alfred, a soldier, fighting?
Q3.In 'Propping Up The Line' (Literary perspectives from the First World War) what do we know of the character of Alice, Alfred's wife?
Q4.Starting with the first, order these plot points relating to the character of Alice in 'Propping Up The Line' (Literary perspectives from the First World War) in chronological order.
Q5.In 'Propping Up The Line', Alfred doesn't tell Alice of his experiences of the trenches, saying that it was his problem to carry. What word does he use to suggest this?
Q6.In 'Propping Up The Line', the character of Alice is described as "dignified" but also " ".
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Propping Up The Line', Beck presents three important settings. Match each setting to its definition.
Q2.'Propping Up The Line' is set during World War One. Match some of the experiences and emotions of civilians in Britain to their explanation.
Q3.In 'Propping Up The Line', Alice receives news of Alfred via " ".
Q4.In 'Propping Up The Line', Alice receives a telegram. She is described as "trembling" as she prepares to open it. What might we infer about her feelings at this point?
Q5.In 'Propping Up The Line', Alfred expresses anger at what he had to endure. His daughter, Nell, says his anger felt like what being thrown at her?
Q6.In 'Propping Up The Line', Alice considers the news of Alfred's gas attack. How are the men's deaths described?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Ian Beck's ‘Propping Up The Line’: Alice’s experiences on the Home Front, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Ian Beck's ‘Propping Up The Line’: Alice’s experiences on the Home Front, 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 3 English lessons from the Literary perspectives from the First World War unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.