Skellig Lesson 21: Names and Endings - PowerPoint

In Lesson Twenty One of the "Skellig" series by David Almond, students delve into the significance of names within the narrative. The lesson's objectives are twofold: firstly, to explore how authors use names to provide insight into characters and the unfolding plot, and secondly, to harness deduction skills for making predictions about the story. The session begins with an intriguing activity where students research the meanings behind the names of key characters, such as Michael, Mina, and Skellig. Each name holds a unique significance; for instance, 'Michael' suggests a divine or gifted nature, while 'Mina' embodies love and protection. 'Skellig' refers to a mystical Irish island, 'Coot' implies a common water bird or a foolish person, and 'Leakey' is the name of a renowned anthropologist.

The lesson progresses with a reading task, directing students to complete the novel up to the end of Chapter 42, and then encourages them to speculate on the story's conclusion. This is followed by an imaginative writing exercise where students, assuming the role of the protagonist Michael, compose his final diary entry. They are reminded to incorporate the key features of effective diary writing, such as a first-person perspective, personal pronouns, imaginative descriptions, and a recount of the main events from Chapters 42 to 46, along with Michael's personal thoughts and feelings. The lesson concludes with a plenary where volunteers share their diary entries with the class, providing an opportunity for constructive feedback and discussion.