War Horse Lesson 1: Making Predictions - PowerPoint

Lesson One of the 'War Horse' series begins with an engaging activity where students are encouraged to make predictions about Michael Morpurgo's novel using the front cover as a visual prompt. They are asked to consider what draws them to a book, be it the cover design, the author's reputation, the genre, or an intriguing blurb. By examining the cover of 'War Horse', students discuss the potential clues it offers about the story's content and speculate on what the title might reveal about the narrative. The activity is designed to use evidence to support their deductions, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the book.

The lesson then delves into the historical context of the story, with a research task focused on World War One and the significant role horses played during the conflict. Students are tasked with investigating specific aspects such as the countries involved, the nature of trench warfare, the life of soldiers, the importance of cavalry, and the treatment of war horses during and after the war. They are instructed to select interesting and relevant information, presenting their findings in a clear and original manner, without simply copying text. The work can be presented as a handwritten piece, a PowerPoint, or a Word document, enhanced with images, charts, and diagrams. The lesson concludes with a homework assignment where students complete their research and prepare to present their work in the next session.