Darwin's Dragons - Teaching Slides

"Darwin's Dragons" is a set of teaching slides created to guide students through a literary journey, exploring various elements of a book. The slides prompt learners to delve into the story's setting, characters, and plot, encouraging them to form their own opinions and gather clues from the text. The slides ask thought-provoking questions such as the significance of the word 'bricky' defined before the story begins, the inclusion of a map, and the importance of a note about the story. Students are encouraged to make predictions about the book's content, such as who Darwin might be and the nature of his 'dragons', the type of story they are about to read, and the setting in which it unfolds.

The teaching slides further invite students to analyze the characters' relationships, particularly between Darwin and another character named Syms Covington. Through guided discussions and evidence from the text, learners are asked to assess the dynamics between the characters and the changes in atmosphere throughout the story. They explore the use of literary techniques such as similes, changes in pace, and weather descriptions to understand how these affect the mood of the narrative. The slides also encourage students to reflect on their own impressions of the characters and to use text-based evidence to support their views. The goal is to engage students in active reading and critical thinking, enabling them to interpret and respond to the literature thoughtfully.