New
New
Year 6

Developing reading preferences by appreciating characters in adaptations

I can explore a range of characters in adaptations, articulating what makes them effective.

New
New
Year 6

Developing reading preferences by appreciating characters in adaptations

I can explore a range of characters in adaptations, articulating what makes them effective.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Texts can be adapted into a television series, feature-length film or for a theatre performance
  2. A character can be imagined from a physical text, film, television adaptation or theatre performance
  3. Subtext and themes can be explored via a character's thoughts, actions, dialogue and character development

Common misconception

Every text must have a subtext.

Some texts are more straightforward and may focus on conveying their message or story in a more direct and explicit manner.

Keywords

  • Adaptation - when a text is adapted into a television series, a feature-length film or for a theatre performance

  • Source material - the original text serving as the basis for adaptations

  • Theme - a central idea that the writer intends the audience to engage deeply with

  • Subtext - the unspoken or implied meaning beneath explicit dialogue or actions

When sharing examples of texts that have been adapted, discuss with pupils the appropriateness and suitability of visual texts and theatre productions.
Teacher tip

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 form is the text 'Roald Dahl's Matilda: The Musical' likely to be in?
Correct answer: song lyrics
recipe book
illustrated chapter book
newspaper
Q2.
Which definition best suits a tagline?
the name of a text, usually displayed prominently on the cover
Correct answer: a brief, catchy phrase on the cover that tempts readers to pick up the text
the edge of a book that displays the title and author's name
Q3.
Match the word with the correct definition.
Correct Answer:protagonist,a main character or central figure in a story or narrative

a main character or central figure in a story or narrative

Correct Answer:character traits,the special qualities that make a character unique

the special qualities that make a character unique

Correct Answer:hero,a character with noble qualities, often helpful and brave

a character with noble qualities, often helpful and brave

Correct Answer:anti-hero,a flawed character, often with ambiguous morals

a flawed character, often with ambiguous morals

Q4.
Which form has the text 'War Horse: playscript' been adapted for?
Correct answer: theatre
television
feature film
Q5.
Which of these examples demonstrate selfish qualities?
sharing a favourite book with a friend, knowing they would enjoy it
Correct answer: refusing to share their toys, wanting to keep them all for themselves
Correct answer: not letting others join in a game, insisting on playing alone
standing up for a classmate who was being bullied, showing support
Q6.
Which of these examples demonstrate trusting qualities?
being wary of a new student in class
not believing a friend's excuse for missing a playdate
Correct answer: being open to making new friends
Correct answer: helping someone who is lost, believing they needed assistance

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the following keywords to their definitions.
Correct Answer:adaptation,a text that is adapted into a visual text or theatre play

a text that is adapted into a visual text or theatre play

Correct Answer:character traits,special qualities that make a character in a story unique

special qualities that make a character in a story unique

Correct Answer:source material,the original text serving as the basis for adaptations

the original text serving as the basis for adaptations

Correct Answer:theme,an idea that the writer intends the audience to engage with

an idea that the writer intends the audience to engage with

Correct Answer:subtext,unspoken or implied meaning within a text

unspoken or implied meaning within a text

Q2.
What are the benefits of adapting a text for film, television or theatre?
characters not like you imagined
Correct answer: visual experience
less depth and detail
Correct answer: greater accessibility
Q3.
True or False? Some texts can be adapted for more than one form (for example, a text can be adapted for television and theatre).
Correct Answer: True, true
Q4.
What subtext could be understood from the following? A character consistently volunteers at a local animal shelter, adopting rescue dogs and providing them with a loving home.
the character is powerful and resilient
the character is imaginative and creative
the character is cruel and unkind
Correct answer: the character is compassionate and empathetic
Q5.
What subtext could be understood from the following? A character is always seen reading books and has a special fondness for libraries, often helping younger kids find books to read.
the character is ruthless and determined
Correct answer: the character is a good mentor and role model
the character is committed to caring for the local environment
the character is greedy and selfish
Q6.
Characters can allow readers to understand a theme through...
Correct answer: their actions and reactions.
Correct answer: their thoughts and feelings.
Correct answer: their dialogue and conversations.
their unreliable narration.
their name and clothing.