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 'Front Desk' through rich discussions

English

In 'Front Desk’, pupils will develop their own personal responses to book. In ’Wonder’, pupils will expand on these and consider the opinions of others.

In 'Mirror’, pupils compared and discussed the similarities and differences between two families living in different countries. In ’Front Desk’, pupils will discuss the experience of someone moving to a new country. 

'Front Desk': book club

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

special qualities that make a character in a story unique

initial feelings about a person, place or thing

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

Which of the following character traits are shown in the character of Mia?

Which of the following character traits are shown in the character of Lupe?

True or false? Mr. Yao and his son show the same character traits throughout the story.

a pivotal moment that significantly alters the course of the story.

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

a lesson that can be learnt from a story or experience.

Which of the following are themes within the text 'Front Desk'?

True or false? Kelly Yang based **all** of 'Front Desk' on her own childhood.

Who is the main protagonist of 'Front Desk'?

Mia and her parents support other immigrants.

What are Mia Tang's secrets that she tries to hide?

Which of the following characters are 'weeklies' who stay at Mia's family motel?

Match the following character traits to the character that shows them.

True or false? At the end of the text, Mia's family are able to purchase the motel.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

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

Developing responses to 'Front Desk' through rich discussions

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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