Exploring concepts and themes in ‘When the Sky Falls’
I can describe key events in the final three chapters of the book and I can connect the book to relevant concepts and themes.
Exploring concepts and themes in ‘When the Sky Falls’
I can describe key events in the final three chapters of the book and I can connect the book to relevant concepts and themes.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In the final stages of the book, we see Joseph saved by Adonis before Adonis is shot dead.
- We also see Joseph and Mrs F united in their grief with Joseph finally learning to trust her.
- We can connect books we read to abstract concepts; we can connect this book to our understanding of 'compassion'.
- We can also identify themes that run through the book - for example, the idea that people are capable of change.
Keywords
Evidence - the information from a text that can support or justify our reasoning
Prediction - an educated guess, based on evidence in the text or prior knowledge
Concept - an abstract idea like ‘hope’ or ‘fairness’
Theme - a central idea of a text that the author wants us to think deeply about
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to identify concepts from the story.
You may prefer to provide a longer list of abstract nouns and allow children to make their own connections.
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 sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
chaos
getting stronger
very hungry
pointless
confused
scattered remains
about to fall over
willingness to take risks
unable to believe what's happening