Guided Reading- When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle

• Language Arts
• Primary Education

Today, we are learning to:

• make predictions about our new text
• ask questions 
• justify our opinions

What can you see in the cover image?

What genre of book is this?

What is the effect of the colour choice?

How does this image make you feel?

1941

1941

Evacuee

Children were sent to the countryside from their homes in the city during World War Two. The cities were dangerous as bombings were frequent.

Rationing

Rationing was a system of limiting access to food, clothes and fuel. It was put into place as there were lots of shortages during the war. People had a 'ration book' and were only allowed small amounts of certain foods each week.

The Land Army

The land army was set up during WW1 to help to boost the production of food. It was re-established in 1939, as WW2 began. Many women volunteered to be part of the Land Army. It was unusual for women to work in farming roles at this time.

Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of England from 1940 to 1945.

Let's Look at the Blurb

The blurb gives just a fraction more information to help the reader make an informed choice.

This blurb is in two parts. We will consider each paragraph separately and think about whether our opinions change as we read.

What clues do these phrases give us about the characters and our story?

1941, War is raging. And one angry boy has been sent to the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, Joseph will live with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no fondness for children. Her only loves are the rundown zoo she owns and its mighty silverback gorilla, Adonis.

Compare the first paragraph of the blurb with paragraph two.

Does your opinion of the characters change?

If so, why?

Paragraph Two

As the weeks pass, bonds deepen and secrets are revealed, but if the bombers set Adonis rampaging free, will either of them be able to end the life of the one thing they love.

What may this final phrase suggest?

Independent Task

What questions do you have about our book, When the Sky Falls'.

Write them down and keep them as you read the book. 

What would you like to ask the author?

www.readingzone.com

Plenary

Self assessment:

• Have you made predictions about the book?
• Can you ask questions about the books you read?

Challenge

Find out about the real stories of zoo animals during World War Two.

You might start with:

Whipsnade Zoo

https://www.zsl.org/blogs/artefact-of-the-month/whipsnade-during-the-second-world-war#:~:text=In%20the%20preparation%20for%20war,red%20pandas%20and%20an%20ostrich.