Retrieval is finding key details or information in the text and extracting them.

A prediction is an educated guess, based on evidence in the text or prior knowledge.

A glossary is a list of technical or subject-specific terms with brief explanations, usually located at the back of a non-fiction text.

Building comprehension of 'Shackleton’s Journey' through rich discussion

English

In 'Shackleton's Journey: reading’, pupils read a text set in  1914–1917. In ’When the Sky Falls; reading’, pupils will read another text set during the Second World War, 1939-1945.

In 'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover: reading’, pupils read and discussed a non-fiction, picturebook narrative. In ’Shackleton's Journey: reading’, pupils will read and discuss a more complex non-fiction, picturebook narrative, based on true events.

In this unit, pupils read and explore the non-fiction picturebook text, 'Shackleton's Journey'. They explore the context of the Antarctic expedition and examine the layout features of the text. Finally, pupils answer a range of comprehension questions and engage with the key themes.

'Shackleton's Journey': reading

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

finding key details or information in the text

an educated guess based on evidence in the text

a list of technical terms with brief explanations

Match the following keywords to their definitions.

Skip over challenging or complex sections.

Passively read the text without engaging with the context.

Identify keywords in the question, skim and scan the text to locate the answer.

Use layout features to locate the appropriate section of text.

Which of the following are strategies we can use to help us develop our comprehension of a non-fiction text?

Where do Shackleton and his crew set sail to before they arrive in Antarctica?

What was the name of the stowaway that joined the crew between Plymouth and Argentina?

True or false? Ernest Shackleton tried to keep his crew's morale high.

Dog igloos were built on the ice - named ‘Dog Town’.

Ice sculptures were made to occupy the crew at this time.

McNeish made a stove where crew hung out.

Living quarters on the Endurance were remodelled.

The crew were able to stay in a hotel, called 'The Ritz'.

When the Endurance became stuck, which of the following changes were made to improve life for the crew and animals?

What was the name of the ship that Shackleton and his crew hoped to navigate Antarctica in?

True or false? Ernest Shackleton took 69 cats with him on his expedition.

reading around the text to develop a greater awareness of context

finding key details or information in the text and extracting them

making an educated guess based on evidence in the text or prior knowledge

Which of the following is a suitable definition for how readers use retrieval skills.

What is the name of a non-fiction text feature where readers can understand key terms and their meanings?

Which of the following are usually features found within non-fiction texts?

Which of the following items were taken by Shackleton and his crew on board the Endurance?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

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

Building comprehension of 'Shackleton’s Journey' through rich discussion

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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