Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Using juxtaposition and foreshadowing in childhood accounts

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can write a childhood account using juxtaposition and foreshadowing.

      Key learning points

      1. A memoir is an opportunity for someone to write about formative moments in their life.
      2. There are three main parts of Keller's childhood account.
      3. Keller uses contrast to show the formative impact of her childhood illness.
      4. Keller uses foreshadowing to build intrigue and signpost a change in the tone of her account.

      Keywords

      • Formative - having a profound influence on someone's development

      • Quaint - attractively unusual or old fashioned

      • Alight - shining brightly

      Common misconception

      Pupils may think foreshadowing can only be used for upcoming events of a negative nature.

      If pupils want to hint at positive memory to come, foreshadowing can also be used.

      Teacher tip

      Share with pupils what you would write about for this task so that they feel comfortable writing their own memories.

      Equipment

      You will need a copy of the extract from Helen Keller's 'The Story of My Life' for this lesson. It is available in the additional materials along with a copy of a model answer.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following words could refer to a writer's use of structure?

      Correct answer: framework
      Correct answer: outline
      vocabulary
      similes and metaphors
      Correct answer: shape

      Q2.
      What is a memoir?

      an embellished account of the highlights of someone's life
      a fictional tale
      Correct answer: a written account of someone's own life and experiences

      Q3.
      What word beginning with 'j' describes two contrasting things being placed next to each other for contrasting effect?

      Correct Answer: juxtaposition, juxtapose, juxtaposed

      Q4.
      What word beginning with 'f' is a method we might use to warn or indicate a future event?

      Correct Answer: foreshadowing, foreshadow

      Q5.
      What does formative mean?

      producing a powerful feeling or strong, clear images in one's mind
      Correct answer: having a profound influence on someone's development
      extremely happy, peaceful or picturesque

      Q6.
      Which of the below might be described as 'quaint'?

      a car park
      Correct answer: a cobbled village
      a forest

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Starting with the first, arrange the parts of Keller according to the order that she writes them in her memoir 'The Story of My Life'.

      1 - vivid childhood scene: being amongst the gardens of her southern home
      2 - background and family life: how she was named, her disposition as a toddler
      3 - formative moment: illness that interrupted her idyllic childhood

      Q2.
      Which word beginning with 'f' describes something that has had a profound effect on someone's development?

      Correct Answer: formative

      Q3.
      'The humble greenery of my childhood will forever be etched into my memory despite the chaotic roar of adolescence.' This sentence uses ...

      Correct answer: juxtaposition
      alliteration
      anaphora

      Q4.
      What is the purpose of Keller's foreshadowing in her memoir 'A Story of My Life'?

      to create a vivid image of the idyllic gardens
      Correct answer: to build intrigue and signpost a change in tone
      to evoke guilt in the reader

      Q5.
      Which sentence uses the word 'alight' correctly?

      Correct answer: Her eyes were alight with glee.
      The wind alighted.
      The movie filled me with alight.

      Q6.
      "Oh how I would love to have stayed viewing the world with this lens of wonder and enchantment." This sentence uses ...

      juxtaposition
      Correct answer: foreshadowing
      alliteration

      To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Using juxtaposition and foreshadowing in childhood accounts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...