Reading ‘The Twisted Tree’: the presence of the tree
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can make judgements and effectively discuss statements about a text.
Key learning points
- Yrsa and Olav, the neighbours, are concerned that Martha is at the house alone.
- Martha sees a picture of her ancestors who conjure spells.
- Martha feels Mormor's clothes and realises she died in anguish.
- Fog in literature often symbolises secrecy or foreboding.
- The tree seems unnatural and decaying.
Keywords
Formidable - causing fear or dread
Furtive - behaving or acting in a secret or sly way
Erratic - irregular or lacking consistency
Scrutiny - intense observation or examination
Anguish - an extreme sense of anger, resulting in murderous thoughts
Common misconception
That discussions are just 'chats' and aren't that important.
Think about all of the times you may need to use your verbal skills e.g. an interview or presentation. Being able to articulate yourself well verbally is an important skill to have.
Teacher tip
Learning cycle 2 can be completed as a written task, if discussion is not a viable option.
Equipment
You will need access to the text 'The Twisted Tree' by Rachel Burge, published by Hot Key Books, 2019.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Twisted Tree' what is the name of the character who gives Martha a lift from the ferry?
Q2.In 'The Twisted Tree', what does Martha wear after her accident?
Q3.In 'The Twisted Tree', Mormor has a dog. What is the dog's name?
Q4.Which word beginning with 'p' describes the main character in a text?
Q5.What does the definition 'the time and place in which the events of a piece of writing take place' refer to?
Q6.Which word beginning with 'S' could be used to describe Martha's powers in 'The Twisted Tree'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Twisted Tree', what is the name of Olav's wife?
Q2.In 'The Twisted Tree' the island is called Skjebne, what does this name translate to?
Q3.In 'The Twisted Tree', the writer describes the tree has having a "heart" that pulsates. Which technique is being used here?
Q4.Which of these answers is true about the island of Skjebne in 'The Twisted Tree'?
Q5.An effective discussion involves ...
Q6.Which answer best describes the word 'erratic'?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Reading ‘The Twisted Tree’: the presence of the tree, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Reading ‘The Twisted Tree’: the presence of the tree, 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 'The Twisted Tree': fiction reading unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.