Skellig Medium Term Plan

The provided text outlines a comprehensive medium-term plan for teaching the novel "Skellig" by David Almond, using a variety of engaging activities and resources. Each lesson is structured to include a starter, introduction, development, and plenary phase to ensure a cohesive learning experience. The plan suggests using PowerPoint presentations and worksheets alongside the novel to facilitate learning. For instance, in the first lesson, students engage with making predictions and pre-reading activities, such as solving riddles and discussing narrative hooks, followed by reading the first chapter and discussing how the author captures the reader's interest. As the lessons progress, activities become more in-depth, including description tasks, simile searches, and character analysis. Students are encouraged to use their own creativity and critical thinking skills to draw, write diary entries, and engage in discussions that deepen their understanding of the novel's characters, themes, and literary techniques.

Further lessons in the plan focus on exploring key elements of the novel, such as the use of similes, the development of plot and characters, and the significance of motifs like birds, flight, and angels. The plan also incorporates interactive games, group work, and debates to make the learning process dynamic and collaborative. For example, students participate in a true or false game, a verbs game, and a 'good guy/bad guy' game to explore characters' motivations and actions. They are also tasked with creating mind maps, researching topics such as William Blake and home-schooling, and developing arguments for debates. As the novel study concludes, students are expected to make predictions about the ending, reflect on character development, and identify themes, culminating in a display of their thematic mind maps. The plan is designed to not only enhance students' comprehension of "Skellig" but also to develop their analytical and communication skills through a variety of engaging and thought-provoking activities.