The Secret of Platform 13 - Session 4 - Reading Comprehension

In the fourth session of the reading comprehension for "The Secret of Platform 13", students delve into the characters' actions and the meaning behind certain phrases. They explore how Raymond feigns illness to convince his mother of his unwell state, and they interpret the idiom 'dressed to kill' as it applies within the context. The session also prompts students to recall where Gurkie misplaces her beetroot, and to understand the optimistic expression 'look on the bright side'. Additionally, learners consider the reasons behind Odge's bad temper and her ill-wishing of Raymond’s Knickerbocker glory. They investigate the motive behind Nanny Brown's decision to pen a letter. To consolidate their understanding, students are challenged to succinctly summarise the session in no more than 50 words, encapsulating the key events and developments.

This session's questions are designed to test the pupils' comprehension and inferential skills, encouraging them to engage with the text on a deeper level. Through these queries, students not only recall specific details from the story but also examine character motivations and the nuances of language. The activity serves to enhance their analytical abilities while fostering an appreciation for the subtleties of storytelling. Such exercises are invaluable in developing critical thinking and literacy skills in a KS2 classroom setting.