Fraction-Decimal Gothic Devices

Overview

Lesson 8 builds gothic atmosphere and style by using figurative language (metaphors/similes) while also practising a key maths skill: converting simple fractions to decimals for the Red Orb Shop budget. It follows previous lessons’ work on gothic world-building by adding more precise “craft” choices and a number-connection task.

Learning intentions

Students will:

• create atmospheric gothic writing by using metaphors and similes to describe setting or feelings
• revise short gothic sentences to improve imagery and mood using a visual scaffold
• convert simple fractions (halves, quarters, tenths, thirds if introduced) into decimals
• match Red Orb shop item prices to the correct fraction/decimal value using hands-on cards

Success criteria

“I can…”

• include at least one metaphor or simile in my gothic writing
• describe a setting using vivid imagery (light, shadows, sounds, textures)
• correctly convert given fractions to decimals (e.g., 1/2=0.5; 1/4=0.25)
• show my working when matching/choosing the correct fraction-decimal pair

Curriculum links

• Literature: create and edit literary texts adapting plot/characters/settings and experiment with literary devices
• Language: identify and use vivid, emotive vocabulary such as metaphors and similes
• Mathematics connection: (within unit) apply number sense for fractions and decimals to support shop budgeting tasks

Lesson structure (60 minutes)

1. 0–5 min · Mission checkpoint hook. Teacher shows a “Red Orb Shop” mini poster with 4 item tags (e.g., “Cinder Torch Spray”, “Shadow Cloak Patch”) and asks: “What makes this shop feel gothic—words, light, or both?” Students choose one option (tap/point) and give one spoken phrase; teacher records on a board template: Light / Sound / Smell / Mood.

2. 5–15 min · Direct teach: gothic device mini-model (low reading friction). Teacher displays two sentence frames on a visual card set (with icons for mood):

• “The corridor was like a ______.” (simile)
• “Light was a ______ in the ______.” (metaphor) Teacher read-alouds a short example and highlights the figurative word pair while underlining in colour. Students select one frame and complete it orally first (then optionally write).

3. 15–25 min · Hands-on fraction–decimal matching (high dopamine). Teacher gives Red Orb price cards and fraction/decimal cards (e.g., 1/2, 1/4, 3/10, 5/10; 0.5, 0.25, 0.3, 0.5) plus a “Shop Shelf” mat with matching boxes. Students race against the “merchant’s blink”: when teacher says “Go”, they place pairs and explain one: “I chose 1/4 because it equals 0.25.” Teacher circulates and checks using quick prompts; correct matches earn a star token.

4. 25–35 min · Writing sprint: atmospheric revision with spelling support. Teacher displays a short “Gothic Upgrade” paragraph (5–6 lines) with missing device blanks and a word bank (e.g., whispering, rusted, suffocating, flicker, ribbon of smoke, throat of night). Students revise 2 lines using their chosen metaphor/simile and then complete a “sound + image” micro-addition: one onomatopoeia (e.g., hiss, creak) OR one sensory adjective. Spelling integration: provide 3 high-frequency gothic words on a separate card strip; students copy one, then use it in their sentence.

5. 35–45 min · Micro-check: device + decimal connection (quick conference). Teacher holds a 2-minute conference: “Read your simile/metaphor. What fraction/decimal did you match today, and where might that appear in the shop prices?” Students show a fraction-decimal pair card and state the decimal. Teacher uses a checklist tick if correct.

6. 45–55 min · Poem creation: visual scaffold “Shadow Stanza”. Teacher provides a 4-box template with icons:

• Box 1 (Setting): “The ______ was like ______.”
• Box 2 (Light): “Light was ______.”
• Box 3 (Sound): “It ______, like ______.”
• Box 4 (Feeling): “I felt ______.” Students create a short poem (4 lines) using at least one simile/metaphor; they may use sentence stems, word bank, and optional picture sketch beside each line.

7. 55–60 min · Exit ticket: convert + quote. Students complete:

• Convert: 1/2 = ___ and 1/4 = ___ (write decimals)
• Quote: underline the metaphor/simile in their poem line. Teacher collects for quick marking.

Resources

• Red Orb Shop item cards (fictional prices) and shelf mat
• Fraction cards and decimal cards (pre-made, colour-coded)
• Device sentence frame cards (simile/metaphor)
• Gothic word bank strips + 3 spelling focus word cards
• “Gothic Upgrade” paragraph with device blanks
• Shadow Stanza visual template with icons
• Star tokens and checklist sheet for teacher
• Optional: small whiteboards, pens, and erasers

Assessment

• Formative checklist during fraction–decimal matching (correct pairings + brief explanation)
• Teacher conference at 35–45 min: identifies figurative device and states one converted value
• Exit ticket checks: fraction to decimal accuracy and figurative language underlined

Differentiation

• Support (neurodivergent friendly): offer 2–3 pre-chosen sentence stems; allow oral responses recorded by teacher for writing substitutes; reduce to 2 poem lines for students needing less output
• Visual scaffolds: icon-based templates for device selection and poem boxes; colour-coded cards for fraction/decimal pairs
• Reading/dyslexia-friendly options: read-aloud for every model text; provide printed examples with generous spacing; allow highlighting only (no full reading required)
• Sensory/time supports: short “movement minute” between tasks; allow fidget tools during matching; provide a quiet corner for writing sprint
• Extension: if finished early, add a second device (personification) or include an extra fraction-decimal pair from the shop budget sheet