The Explorer - Session 13 - Reading Comprehension

In "The Explorer" reading comprehension session titled 'Smoke', students delve into the details of the narrative to answer questions regarding the events and actions of the characters. They begin by identifying what the children ate for breakfast, a seemingly simple question that sets the stage for understanding the context of the day's events. As the session progresses, students are asked to pinpoint the first indication of a fire, revealing their understanding of the story's unfolding drama.

The comprehension continues with questions about the characters' locations and actions during critical moments, such as where Con and Max were when Fred first noticed the fire and the reason behind Max's decision to climb a tree. Students must also explore Fred's internal dialogue, examining why he tells himself to remain calm while in the river. The fate of the map is questioned, adding to the tension of the narrative. Students assess the safety of the children, leading to discussions about the implications of their circumstances. The session culminates with a task to concisely summarise the chapter 'Smoke' in no more than 50 words, challenging students to distil the essence of the story while demonstrating comprehension and synthesis skills.