New
New
Year 5

Exploring and engaging with themes in 'Mirror'

I can identify and engage with the key themes in 'Mirror'.

New
New
Year 5

Exploring and engaging with themes in 'Mirror'

I can identify and engage with the key themes in 'Mirror'.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In 'Mirror' the afterword describes why Jeannie Baker was inspired to make the text and how she created the artwork.
  2. A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.
  3. Readers can interpret their own big idea or message from a narrative; readers may interpret a text in different ways.
  4. Settings and events depicted in the book contribute to the boys’ sense of identity and belonging.
  5. Culture and traditions in each setting are conveyed through unique clothing, architecture, food and daily activities.

Keywords

  • Afterword - a concluding section providing additional insights or reflections after the main content

  • Theme - a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text

  • Convey - to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly

  • Identity - understanding who you are and your place within the world

Common misconception

Pupils may find it challenging to reflect on a character's identity and sense of belonging in Task B.

Explain to pupils that identity and belonging can be shown through the boys' character traits, their relationships with their families and the actions they perform.

Pupils may find it interesting to learn more about Jeannie Baker and to find out answers to any questions they may still have. Provide opportunities for them to research additional information using the internet.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You need a copy of the 2010 Walker Books edition of ‘Mirror’ created by Jeannie Baker, for this lesson.

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).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the following words to their definitions.
Correct Answer:character,a person or an animal in a story

a person or an animal in a story

Correct Answer:setting,where the story takes place

where the story takes place

Correct Answer:plot,what happens in the story

what happens in the story

Q2.
True or false? The Moroccan story is set in the Valley of the Roses.
Correct Answer: True, true
Q3.
Which characters in 'Mirror' head to the market/hardware store?
Correct answer: father
mother
Correct answer: son
baby sibling
grandparent
Q4.
Match the types of connections to their definitions.
Correct Answer:text-to-text,relates to another text or story

relates to another text or story

Correct Answer:text-to-self,relates to personal experiences, feelings or thoughts

relates to personal experiences, feelings or thoughts

Correct Answer:text-to-world,relates to events and issues in the real world

relates to events and issues in the real world

Q5.
Which languages is 'Mirror' written in?
Correct answer: Arabic
French
Correct answer: English
Spanish
Q6.
What is a suitable definition of a theme?
the first section of a story where the writer describes the setting & characters
a person’s reasons for doing something
Correct answer: a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the following keywords to their definitions.
Correct Answer:afterword,a concluding section providing additional insights or reflections

a concluding section providing additional insights or reflections

Correct Answer:theme,a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text

a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text

Correct Answer:convey,to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly

to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly

Q2.
What changes have happened in the homes of the Moroccan and Australian families?
Correct answer: The fireplace has been finished in the Western story.
The table has been finished in the Western story.
Correct answer: A computer is now set up in the Moroccan story.
A new table has been bought in the Moroccan story.
Q3.
Put the following events from the resolutions in both stories in chronological order.
1 - The father and son return home.
2 - The father enjoys a cup of tea.
3 - The family sit down to eat a meal together.
Q4.
Which objects appear in both stories?
Correct answer: a pink flower
adobe buildings
Correct answer: a carpet
an airport
Q5.
True or false? There are no connections between the stories.
Correct Answer: False, false
Q6.
Which of the following themes are conveyed in 'Mirror'?
life and death
betrayal
Correct answer: family
Correct answer: community
Correct answer: culture and traditions