Explaining characters’ motives
I can describe key events in Chapters 11 and 12 and I can explain why characters have acted in particular ways.
Explaining characters’ motives
I can describe key events in Chapters 11 and 12 and I can explain why characters have acted in particular ways.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In the book, Joseph has had very negative experiences of schooling which cause him to be anxious about attending.
- When we read, we often think about characters' motives.
- We base our understanding of motives partly on what is made explicit by the author.
- We may also infer motives based on the characters' actions, our own knowledge and our experiences.
Keywords
Fluency - the ability to read a text accurately, smoothly and with appropriate expression
Motive - a person’s reasons for doing something
Explicit - made clear
Infer - to draw conclusions from information and evidence in a text
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that finding evidence that shows a person is feeling a certain way is the same as finding the motives behind their actions and feelings.
Ensure pupils are clear that, for instance, finding evidence that a character is sad is different to explaining why they are sad (the motive).
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2021 Andersen Press edition of ‘When the Sky Falls’ written by Phil Earle for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
total destruction
chaotic
bizarre and unbelievable
talking quietly and very little
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the reason you do something
made clear
work out based on evidence