Skellig Lesson 5: Understanding - Lesson Plan

The fifth lesson in the study of David Almond's novel "Skellig" aims to deepen students' understanding of the narrative and its characters, with a particular emphasis on the author's linguistic choices. The learning objective is to consolidate students' grasp of the plot and character development, while also focusing on Almond's use of language. To achieve this, the lesson is structured around reading, discussion, and engaging with a verb-focused activity known as the 'Verb Detective' task. This interactive element not only assesses students' progress but also makes the learning process dynamic and enjoyable.

Expected outcomes are tiered to accommodate different levels of comprehension and engagement. At a basic level, students must demonstrate an understanding of the plot and characters, along with some recognition of how Almond crafts his prose. More secure knowledge is expected as students should also exhibit a sound grasp of the language's impact. For those who could reach further, a detailed knowledge of the plot and characters is anticipated, coupled with an insightful understanding of the author's linguistic effects. Differentiation opportunities are built into the lesson plan, allowing for the adaptation of materials and tasks to suit varying student needs and to balance teacher guidance with independent learning. The lesson begins with a lively 10-minute verbs game, followed by a 15-minute reading and discussion session. Students then undertake the 'Verb Detective' task for 20 minutes before sharing their responses. The lesson concludes with a 5-minute plenary that recaps the key plot points, character insights, and Almond's use of verbs.