Characterisation involves revealing information about characters through their actions, thoughts, dialogue and interactions with others.

Reader's Theatre is an activity where readers bring characters and scenes to life through reading aloud.

Expression is reading with feelings and emotion to bring the story to life.

Reflecting on key events in 'How To Train Your Dragon'

English

In 'How To Train Your Dragon: reading’, pupils discussed an unlikely hero and what it means to be perceived as a hero by your community. In ’Beowulf’, pupils will encounter a hero in an epic poem.

In 'Arthur and the Golden Rope: reading’, pupils explored a modern myth that drew inspiration from Norse culture. They also discussed the role of an unlikely hero. In ’How To Train Your Dragon: reading’, pupils will read and discuss a longer, fictional narrative that draws from Norse culture and will discuss another unlikely hero.

In this unit, pupils read and explore the illustrated chapter book, 'How To Train Your Dragon'. They develop their understanding of characterisation and build comprehension of the text through rich discussions. Finally, pupils explore the themes of loyalty, bravery and what makes a hero.

'How To Train Your Dragon': reading

a reading aloud activity which bring characters and scenes to life

the way an author describes and develops a character in a story

True or false? Characterisation can be conveyed through a character's actions, thoughts, dialogue and interaction with others.

Stoick asks people to move out of his way.

Stoick shouts encouragement from the touchline.

Stoick bets on his son and his dragon to bring the most fish back.

What tells the reader that Chief Stoick thinks Hiccup and Toothless will do well?

Compared to the others, Hiccup looks brave and confident, ready for the test.

Compared to the other boys, Hiccup does not look as strong or tough.

Compared to other dragons, Toothless is intimidating and scary.

Compared to other dragons, Toothless is very small and does not have any teeth.

What tells the reader that Chief Mogadon thinks Hiccup and Toothless will not do well?

What impression might a reader make of Thuggory through how he is portrayed in the text?

Readers split the text into smaller parts (including narration)

Readers begin to look at characterisation to help add expression to speech

Groups reflect on how their performance went

Order the following steps for performing a successful 'Reader's Theatre'.

What is the name of the leader of Hiccup's tribe?

Hiccup enters the dragon nursery and chooses a dragon. He gives it to Fishlegs.

Hiccup speaks to Old Wrinkly. He is unsure what to do.

Toothless wakes up. Hiccup tries to train his dragon. Toothless is not obedient.

Hiccup protects and cares for Toothless, saving him from his father's dragons.

Order the following events from the text so far.

What is a suitable definition of the word **initiation**?

What is a suitable definition of the word **exile**?

What are the neighbours of the Hooligan tribe called?

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Worksheet