Skellig Lesson 14: Spooky Tales - Lesson Plan

Lesson 14 of the "Skellig" by David Almond lesson plan is designed to deepen students' knowledge and understanding of the novel's themes and characters. To achieve this, the lesson incorporates a blend of discussion, research, and interactive role-play. The core learning objective is for students to express their grasp of the book's thematic elements and the intricacies of its characters through a collaborative and engaging exercise known as hotseating, where they will assume the roles of characters from the novel and answer questions in character.

The lesson begins with a starter activity where students discuss their research findings or homework from the previous lesson, setting the stage for the day's focus. This is followed by a reading and discussion session of the text up to the end of Chapter 29. Afterward, the teacher introduces the hotseating task, explaining how it will be conducted and what is expected from the students. The main activity involves students working in groups to perform the hotseating, delving into the personas of Skellig's characters and exploring the themes presented in the novel. The expected outcomes are tiered, with all students conveying at least a basic understanding of the themes and characters, and some demonstrating deeper insights. The lesson concludes with a plenary where a volunteer group presents their performances and receives constructive feedback, allowing students to reflect on their learning and consider different perspectives. Differentiation opportunities are available throughout the lesson, such as adapting the presentation materials and tailoring tasks to meet the varied needs of the class, ensuring that each student can engage with the lesson's content at an appropriate level.