Skellig Lesson 22: Names and Endings - Lesson Plan

In Lesson 22 of the "Skellig" study, the learning objective is to delve into how David Almond intricately weaves themes and ideas throughout the novel, providing the reader with a rich tapestry of concepts to explore. The lesson is designed to facilitate this understanding through the creation of a themes mind map, which will serve as a visual representation of the various themes present in the text. This activity not only assesses the students' comprehension but also encourages them to organise and connect the thematic elements discussed in the novel.

The lesson begins with a starter activity where students recap the plot and characters, setting the stage for a discussion on the significance of themes within the narrative. Following this, the main teaching activities include 'The Three Little Pigs' task, which serves as a primer on the concept and function of themes in storytelling. The teacher then models the construction of a themes mind map, providing a clear example for the students to follow. The pupils are then tasked with creating their own mind maps for "Skellig," dedicating a substantial portion of the lesson to this endeavour. Differentiation opportunities are woven throughout, allowing for the PowerPoint to be edited or tasks to be adapted to meet the varied needs of the class. The lesson concludes with a plenary where volunteers present their mind maps, fostering a collaborative discussion and deepening the collective understanding of the themes explored in "Skellig."