New
New
Year 6

Developing responses to 'Cloud Busting' through rich discussions

I can develop my own response to 'Cloud Busting’.

New
New
Year 6

Developing responses to 'Cloud Busting' through rich discussions

I can develop my own response to 'Cloud Busting’.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The character of Sam changes dramatically from the start of the text to the end.
  2. Characters within the text depict a range of emotions. Character traits can be understood from these.
  3. Character traits can be explored through the text’s illustrations or words used by the characters.
  4. Making connections and recommendations can significantly enhance the reading experience and broaden understanding.

Common misconception

The friendship between Sam and Davey is wholly positive or negative.

The relationship between both boys is complex. You may wish to explore the theme of bullying in a separate lesson (e.g. PSHE) to acknowledge the traits that Sam exhibits and what could be done to resolve or address the behaviour.

Keywords

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

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

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

Pupils must have read the text in advance of this lesson. When sharing recommendations, make connections to texts that you have read with the class and texts read independently by pupils and allow pupils to make their own peer-to-peer recommendations.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You need a copy of the 2020 Yearling edition of ‘Cloud Busting’, written by Malorie Blackman with illustrations by Helen van Vliet, for this lesson.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the name of Sam and Davey's teacher in 'Cloud Busting'?
Mr Alex
Miss Alicia
Correct answer: Mr Mackie
Q2.
Which poetry form is the focus of chapter 3?
acrostic
Correct answer: haiku
sonnet
Q3.
Who is the illustrator of 'Cloud Busting'?
Correct Answer: Helen van Vliet, Helen Van Vliet, helen van vliet, Helen Vliet, helen vliet
Q4.
Who is the bully mentioned in the text?
Alicia
Davey
Alex
Correct answer: Sam
Q5.
Which sentence shows someone who is courageous?
The first snowflake brought pure joy to Andeep.
Correct answer: Despite the fear gnawing at her, Sam spoke her mind and confronted the injustice
A melancholy melody evoked bittersweet memories for Sofia.
A compliment lifted Izzy's spirits instantly.
Q6.
Order the following events from 'Cloud Busting'.
1 - Sam is aware of Davey, a new pupil. Davey gets the nickname 'fizzy feet'.
2 - The bully picks on Davey and posts comments about him around school.
3 - Sam finds out about Davey's allergy to peanuts. He shares this with Alex.
4 - Alex hospitalises Davey.
5 - Davey leaves the school.

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the following keywords to their definitions.
Correct Answer:character traits,the special qualities that make a character in a story unique

the special qualities that make a character in a story unique

Correct Answer:connection,how a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world

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

Correct Answer:recommendation,a text that is well-suited to a reader’s age and interests

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

Q2.
True or False? 'Cloud Busting' contains both fixed verse and free verse poetry.
Correct Answer: True, true
Q3.
At the beginning of the text, what are each of the following characters like? Match their name to the most suitable description.
Correct Answer:Sam,regrets something that has happened to his friend, who he misses

regrets something that has happened to his friend, who he misses

Correct Answer:Alex,does not pay much attention in class or assembly

does not pay much attention in class or assembly

Correct Answer:Davey,has just joined the school; he is described as 'anxious' and unsure

has just joined the school; he is described as 'anxious' and unsure

Q4.
By the end of the text, what are each of the following characters like? Match their name to the most suitable description.
Correct Answer:Sam,lonely but recognises the positive effect that his friend had on him

lonely but recognises the positive effect that his friend had on him

Correct Answer:Alex,still remains popular; is remorseful for what happened to Davey

still remains popular; is remorseful for what happened to Davey

Correct Answer:Davey,has left the school without saying goodbye to anyone

has left the school without saying goodbye to anyone

Q5.
What refrain is repeated in Chapter 12?
Correct answer: sorry
regret
mistake
Q6.
True or False? The narrator in 'Cloud Busting' is unreliable.
Correct Answer: True, true