'The Twisted Tree': creating a newspaper headline about the draugr
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create engaging headlines and subheadings for an article about the 'draugr'.
Key learning points
- Headlines will give the reader an indication of what the story is likely to be about.
- The purpose of a headline is to grab the reader's attention.
- A headline should give an indication of the content of a news article.
- Language devices are often used in headlines.
- Subheadings can be used to give more detail about a story.
Keywords
Headline - the title of an article
Subheading - text that is found under the main headline to give further insight or support for the headline
Pun - joke making use of the different possible meanings of words that sound alike
Draugr - an undead creature from Norse mythology that haunts the living
Common misconception
Pupils may think that a headline alone is enough to convey the entire story of an article.
Explain that while a headline grabs attention and hints at the article's content, it's the subheading and body text that provide the full details and context. Emphasise the importance of each element working together to inform the reader.
Teacher tip
Consider using contemporary news stories that students will be familiar with in Learning Cycle 2 as you move on to headlines and subheadings.
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
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a 'draugr' in Norse mythology?
Q2.Martha kills the draugr with in 'The Twisted Tree'.
Q3.What is the purpose of a newspaper article?
Q4.Newspaper articles are usually written in the ...
Q5.Newspaper articles often contain the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why). Match these elements below in a story about Martha and the draugr.
the Draugr is killed
at Mormor's Cabin
at dusk
to prevent it haunting the living and to allow the souls to return
Martha
Q6.What is rhyme?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the primary purpose of a headline in a newspaper article?
Q2.Which of the following best describes a subheading?
Q3.In the context of a newspaper article, what is a 'pun'?
Q4.Which language device is used in the headline "Terrific Tech Triumphs"?
Q5.Match each of these headlines about the death of the draugr (from 'The Twisted Tree') to the language device used.
pun
sensationalist language
rhyme
alliteration
Q6.Which of the below would be an appropriate subheading for the headline 'Town on Brink of Chaos!'?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': creating a newspaper headline about the draugr, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': creating a newspaper headline about the draugr, 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.