'Small Island': tracking the events of Act 1 Scene 1
I can explain the events of Act 1, Scene 1.
'Small Island': tracking the events of Act 1 Scene 1
I can explain the events of Act 1, Scene 1.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Stella's attitude to the hurricane shows her ignorance - she views it as an exotic experience, neglecting the danger.
- The hurricane is a powerful natural force that exposes truths about the human relations between characters.
- The stage directions show Hortense preparing the schoolhouse, whereas the naive Mrs. Ryder looks out from the open door.
- Hortense’s calmness in the storm suggests she has been shaped by strong forces.
- Freytag’s pyramid can be used to track events and characters.
Keywords
Mischievous - showing a fondness for causing trouble
Blasphemy - to use language or act in a way that disrespects God
Mother country - xan refer to the country you are born in or a country you are emotionally attached to; in colonial countries Britain is often referred to in this way
Stage directions - an instruction in the play script that explains how it should be performed and presented
Common misconception
That Hortense is only motivated by heartbreak.
How does Hortense view herself, even from a young age? She does at times view herself as superior. Furthermore, she has lived in the house for a long time and has perhaps internalised the moral and religious standards that Mr. Philip holds.
To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: 'Small Island': tracking the events of Act 1 Scene 1, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: 'Small Island': tracking the events of Act 1 Scene 1, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 english lessons from the 'Small Island' unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the play 'Small Island' written by Andrea Levy and adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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