Skellig Lesson 4: Michael's Diary - PowerPoint

In Lesson Four of the 'Skellig' unit, students are tasked with delving deeper into the intricacies of the plot and characters, with a particular emphasis on understanding Michael, the central figure of David Almond's novel. The objectives set out for this session are twofold: to reinforce students' grasp of the storyline and the individuals within it, and to expand their knowledge of Michael's character. The lesson involves a true or false activity where students must read statements about Michael and his circumstances—such as the family's move to a new house, the state of the garden, and Michael's relationship with his parents—and determine their veracity. This activity serves as a tool to review and confirm the students' comprehension of the text thus far.

Building on the theme of secrets, the class is encouraged to read up to the end of Chapter 5 and discuss why Michael decides to keep his discovery in the garage a secret. This discussion sets the stage for a creative writing exercise where students are invited to step into Michael's shoes. They are asked to imagine his thoughts and feelings since the move and to express these in a diary entry, incorporating key features of effective diary writing such as the first person perspective, personal pronouns, and a rich, descriptive narrative that encapsulates the main events and emotional landscape of the early chapters. The lesson culminates with a plenary where volunteers share their diary entries with the class, opening the floor for constructive feedback and further engagement with the text.