'The Twisted Tree': scripting a scene from the novel
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can turn a key scene from 'The Twisted Tree' into a written script.
Key learning points
- A script can transform key moments from stories into structured, performable scenes.
- Scripts must include the act and scene number, character profiles, character names, stage directions and dialogue.
- Stage directions can describe the setting, time of day, weather, mood and characters' actions and emotions.
- Dialogue specifies what each character says, with accompanying stage directions on how to deliver the lines.
- Effective script writing requires detailed opening stage directions to establish the scene's atmosphere and context.
Keywords
Script - the written text of a play, including dialogue and instructions for performance
Stage directions - instructions in the script that tell actors where to go, how to move, and how to speak
Dialogue - the spoken words between characters in a play
Act - a major division within a play, often encompassing several scenes
Character profiles - brief descriptions of characters that outline their personalities and roles in the script
Common misconception
Stage directions are just suggestions and don't need to be followed exactly.
Stage directions are essential parts of the script that provide important guidance on how the scene should be performed. They help create the atmosphere, convey emotions and ensure the story is told as the writer intended.
Teacher tip
Enhance the lesson by incorporating visual aids such as pictures or videos of stage performances to show how scripts are brought to life. Additionally, encourage students to perform short scenes from their scripts in pairs or small groups.
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 being described here: 'the written text of a play, including dialogue and instructions for performance.'?
Q2.At the start of 'The Twisted Tree', which character does Martha find living in Mormor's Cabin?
Q3.In which season does most of the action of 'The Twisted Tree' take place?
Q4.An Act is made up of multiple ...
Q5.What is being described here: 'the spoken words between characters in a play'?
Q6.Writing a script would be appropriate for ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match these terms to their definitions.
a subdivision of an act, typically set in a single location and time
a major division within a play, often encompassing several scenes
the spoken words between characters in a play
instructions in the script that tell actors what to do
Q2.When scripting a scene, which elements help to establish the mood and atmosphere?
Q3.In 'The Twisted Tree', when Martha first encounters Stig in Mormor's cabin, what would be an appropriate stage direction to accompany the dialogue 'Who are you?'?
Q4.Which of the following should NOT be included in the stage directions at the start of a scene?
Q5.What is the purpose of adding adjectives or adverbs in stage directions?
Q6.What is an example of a specific action given as a stage direction that an audience will be able to see?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': scripting a scene from the novel, 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': scripting a scene from the novel, 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.