Letters from the Lighthouse - Session 5 - Reading Comprehension

In Session 5 of 'Letters from the Lighthouse', the reading comprehension focuses on the protagonist Olive and her experiences during a wartime scenario. Olive seeks shelter from the dangers posed by German planes, which are using the lighthouse as a navigational aid. The session reveals Queenie's act of defiance as she throws stones at the enemy planes, while Olive's brother Cliff finds the presence of the planes exciting. Olive discovers that Esther is Jewish, a revelation that leads to a surge of anger within her. The narrative takes a turn when Olive and Cliff are compelled to move to the lighthouse, marking a significant shift in their wartime journey.

The session's questions delve into the characters' motivations and actions, such as Olive's search for safety, the strategic use of the lighthouse by German forces, and the siblings' eventual relocation to the lighthouse. The comprehension exercise also asks for a concise summary of the session, challenging readers to distil the essence of the story into a brief retelling. The session is designed to engage students with the text and encourage a deeper understanding of the characters' experiences and emotions during a tumultuous period in history.