New
New
Year 4

Developing responses to 'El Deafo' through rich discussions

I can develop my own response to 'El Deafo'.

New
New
Year 4

Developing responses to 'El Deafo' through rich discussions

I can develop my own response to 'El Deafo'.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Cece has different relationships with characters within the text, including her family and friends.
  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

Pupils may list emotions when referring to a character trait.

Emotions are temporary. Explain that character traits are linked to characterisation. They are relatively stable over time. Examples of common character traits could be shared with the children prior to Task A.

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. Encourage pupils to regularly recommend texts for each other and support discussions around different texts and what they have enjoyed and why.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You need a copy of the 2014 Amulet Books edition of ‘El Deafo’ written and illustrated by Cece Bell, for this lesson.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

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.
Who is the author and illustrator of 'El Deafo'?
Correct Answer: Cece Bell, cece bell, Cece bell
Q2.
What is an appropriate definition of a character within a text?
initial feelings about a person, place or thing, gained from reading a text
a person who translates a text from one language into another
a writer who uses verse to convey emotions
Correct answer: a protagonist or central figure in a story or narrative
Q3.
Which character trait is shown in this sentence: Faced with daunting challenges, Emily's unwavering actions demonstrated her strength of character.
arrogant
deceitful
Correct answer: courageous
Q4.
What is an appropriate definition of a relationship in a text?
a person who has done something important that influenced the world
Correct answer: the connections and interactions between individuals within a narrative
a flawed protagonist, often with ambiguous morals
Q5.
Sound Effects in a graphic novel represent __________ ?
Correct answer: a noise or onomatopoeia
inner thoughts and feelings
what/how something is said
Q6.
Which of the following describes a graphic novel?
Correct answer: a form of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels
a form of text featuring articles, images, and information on diverse topics
a form of text that presents news and information about current events

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.
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: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 suggestion for a text that is suited to a reader’s age and interests

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

Q2.
What is the name of Cece's superhero persona?
Deaf
Martha
Correct answer: El Deafo
Mike
Q3.
What does Cece think makes her different to the other children?
her loneliness
the school she goes to
Correct answer: her hearing aid
interests and hobbies that she enjoys
Q4.
Match Cece's friends to the characteristic they demonstrate in the text.
Correct Answer:Laura,bossy

bossy

Correct Answer:Ginny,over-emphasises disability

over-emphasises disability

Correct Answer:Martha,kind and respectful

kind and respectful

Q5.
Which of the following connections is the following sentence: 'El Deafo' made me think of my brother who wears a hearing aid. It made me think what life must be like for him.
Correct answer: text-to-self
text-to-text
text-to-world
Q6.
Refer to 'A note from the author'. True or False? 'El Deafo' is based on the author's real-life experiences?
Correct Answer: True, true