Vlad and The Great Fire of London - Learning Sequence

The learning sequence for 'Vlad and The Great Fire of London' is a detailed unit overview that spans six weeks, designed to immerse Year 6 students in a historical narrative while developing their literacy skills. In the first week, students engage with the front cover image, deducing the story's context through clues and creating a text map of their findings. They compare historical and modern houses, using conjunctions to articulate differences, and begin to form predictions about the characters. As they read the initial pages, they focus on the character of Boxton, using text and images to infer thoughts and feelings, and they practice retrieving information to answer questions about the setting.

As the weeks progress, the learning sequence delves deeper into character analysis and comprehension. Students continue to read and respond to the text, using evidence to explore characters' thoughts and emotions and making predictions about the plot. The sensory experience of the Great Fire is brought to life through the analysis of illustrations and text, with activities like hot seating and role play to deepen understanding. In the latter weeks, the focus shifts to the impact of the fire on the characters and the decisions they must make, such as choosing possessions to save. The unit culminates in a retelling of the story, allowing students to synthesise their understanding of the narrative, characters, and historical context.