War Horse Lesson 4: Themes - PowerPoint

In Lesson Four of the 'War Horse' series, students delve into the rich tapestry of themes woven throughout Michael Morpurgo's poignant novel. The lesson begins with a focused reading and discussion of chapters three and four, during which the class examines the evolving dynamics between the characters Albert and his father, exploring the reasons and implications behind their changing relationship. The lesson then transitions to a broader exploration of the novel's themes, encouraging students to contemplate the underlying messages that Morpurgo may want his readers to consider.

The concept of themes is likened to the moral lessons found in classic tales such as 'The Three Little Pigs', prompting students to reflect on the messages behind familiar stories before applying this understanding to 'War Horse'. They are challenged to unscramble anagrams representing key themes in the novel, such as war, friendship, animal cruelty, and the complex relationships between fathers and sons. To further solidify their comprehension, students are tasked with creating a mind map to visually represent the diverse themes present in 'War Horse'. The lesson culminates with extension questions that probe deeper into the narrative's darker elements, character motivations, and potential future developments, setting the stage for thoughtful analysis and personal predictions. As a plenary activity, students are assigned to complete their mind maps for homework, with the possibility of their work being proudly displayed in the classroom.