Skellig Lesson 1: Predictions and pre-reading - PowerPoint

The first lesson on David Almond's novel 'Skellig' focuses on fostering the skill of making predictions and understanding how writers captivate their audience from the outset. Students are encouraged to ponder the elements they look for when picking a book, such as an appealing cover, a favourite author, or a specific genre. They are then asked to examine the covers of 'Skellig', read the blurb, and discuss the potential implications of the title, using these insights to predict the nature of the story within. The lesson's objectives are to make inferences about the text, to read and discuss the opening chapter, and to comprehend the literary devices authors use to engage readers.

The lesson continues with a riddle that draws a parallel between an author and an angler, leading to the concept of a 'narrative hook'—a technique used to reel in the reader's interest, much like a fisherman hooks a fish. This concept is further explored through examples from movies, illustrating how narrative hooks function in various storytelling mediums. Students are then tasked with identifying different narrative hook techniques and examining how they are employed in the first chapter of 'Skellig'. They analyse the intended effects of these devices, such as creating mood, adding descriptive detail, or building suspense, and find specific examples in the text. The plenary involves a homework question that asks students to use their findings to explain how David Almond successfully hooks the reader at the beginning of the novel.