Character traits are the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting.

An impression refers to initial feelings about a person, place or thing, gained from reading a text.

How a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world can be called a connection.

A recommendation is a suggestion for a text that is well-suited to a reader’s age and their interests.

Developing responses to 'Varjak Paw' through rich discussions

English

In Varjak Paw: book club’, pupils explored a linear narrative plot. In ’El Deafo: book club’, pupils will explore a graphic novel text and develop their understanding of plot in another form.

In  ’Swallow's Kiss: book club’, pupils discussed characterisation and themes. In ’Varjak Paw: book club’, pupils will develop this knowledge and deepen their understanding of the range of ways characters and themes can be conveyed.

In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the illustrated chapter book 'Varjak Paw'. They will share their opinion on the text and explore the key themes of hope, identity and self-discovery. Finally, pupils will engage in rich discussions, making connections and recommendations.

'Varjak Paw': book club

special qualities that make a character unique and interesting

initial feelings about a person, place or thing gained from reading

how a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world

Match the following keywords to their definitions.

Which of the following character traits would describe Varjak?

Who are the mentors to Varjak in the text?

The text made me think of a time when I was brave.

The text made me think of the character Charlotte from 'Charlotte's Web'.

The text made me find out about Mesopotamia.

Which of the following describes a text-to-text connection?

Which animals are the central characters in 'Varjak Paw'?

True or false? Varjak is a Mesopotamian grey cat.

Which of the following are adjectives that can describe a character in a text?

the lady who owned the house Varjak's family lived in

Match the characters in 'Varjak Paw' to their descriptions.

Which of the following are themes that can be found in 'Varjak Paw'?

A recommendation is a suggestion of a text that is suited to a reader's ...

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Developing responses to 'Varjak Paw' through rich discussions

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.