Developing an understanding of 'Varjak Paw' through rich discussions
I can discuss the main ideas of ‘Varjak Paw’.
Developing an understanding of 'Varjak Paw' through rich discussions
I can discuss the main ideas of ‘Varjak Paw’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 'Varjak Paw' is in the form of an illustrated chapter book, combining words and illustration.
- Varjak Paw is a Mesopotamian Blue Kitten and has never left home.
- During the text, Varjak must leave his home and family and has to survive on his own.
- One of the most prominent themes is identity; identity is who you are and what makes you unique.
Keywords
Illustrated chapter book - An illustrated chapter book is a longer fictional text with illustrations to support and develop understanding.
Form - Form is the way that a text can be presented.
Theme - A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that illustrations always depict exactly what is mentioned in the words the author writes.
Show examples throughout the illustrated chapter book where the illustrations add in additional details, for example, the depiction of a car on pages 90 and 91.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2014 Corgi Childrens edition of ‘Varjak Paw, written by SF Said with illustrations by Dave McKean, for this lesson.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Atinuke
Onyinye Iwu
Too Small Tola
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a longer fictional text with illustrations
the way that a text can be presented
a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story
caring about someone and helping each other out
not being the same as someone or something else
sticking by someone's side and being there for them no matter what