'Small Island': from page to stage
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain in detail how Edmundson adapted 'Small Island' for the stage.
Key learning points
- Edmundson adapted the novel which means she developed Levy's original ideas to suit the form of a play.
- Edmundson is responsible for writing stage directions, chronology of events and developing characters through dialogue.
- Edmundson develops the multiplicity of Levy's original narratives using dramatic techniques.
- Edmundson uses patois, dialect and colloquial language to develop Levy's realistic characters.
- The use of direct address in the play mirrors the first person narratives in the novel, giving characters unique voices.
Keywords
Multiplicity - a large number of, or a variety of things
Dialogue - conversation and spoken interactions written for a play, book or film
Dialect - a variation of a language spoken in a particular part of the country or by a particular group
Jamaican patois - variation of English, or dialect, specific to Jamaican speakers
Common misconception
Edmundson did not write 'Small Island'.
Explore the conventions of a play. What would Edmundson have to have added to re-imagine the novel?
Teacher tip
Using extracts from Levy's original novel can be a great way to compare the adaptations' similarities and differences.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the play 'Small Island' written by Andrea Levy and adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who wrote the original novel 'Small Island' in 2004?
Q2.Who wrote the adaptation of 'Small Island' for the stage in 2019?
Q3.Where is 'Small Island' set?
Q4.What term beginning with 'W' refers to the group of Caribbean migrants who arrived in the United Kingdom between 1948 and 1971?
Q5.'Small Island' includes a number of characters who migrated to Britain from Jamaica. Why was there a mass migration movement to Britain after World War Two?
Q6.Which term is used to express the sense of belonging or allegiance felt by Caribbean migrants to the United Kingdom, particularly in the context of the Windrush generation?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'Small Island' is a play. What are the common features of a play?
Q2.'Small Island' includes stage directions. What are the purpose of stage directions?
Q3.In 2017, it was revealed that the government was attempting to deport some citizens who had legally migrated to Britain in the 1940s-70s. This was known as the scandal.
Q4.In 'Small Island' three of the characters tell their stories to the audience. This is an example of what dramatic technique?
Q5.In 'Small Island' Miss Jewel says: "Nuh fret nah, me sprigadee." This is an example of Jamaican patois. What is this?
Q6.Edmundson adapted Levy's original novel 'Small Island'. As the playwright, which of these would she be responsible for creating?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: 'Small Island': from page to stage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: 'Small Island': from page to stage, 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 'Small Island' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.