Spark the Story

Lesson 19 of 25 — Unit: Engaging Novel Explorations

Year Level: Year 6
Subject: English
Time: 60 minutes
Curriculum Area: English, Level 3
Focus Strand: Listening, Reading and Viewing / Speaking, Writing and Presenting
Context: Creating a multimedia book trailer to show understanding of a novel
Christian Worldview Lens: Emphasis on honesty, creativity as a reflection of the Creator, and using communication to uplift and inspire others

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Learning Intentions

• I am learning to summarise the key events, characters, and themes of my novel.
• I am learning to use persuasive language and visual elements to entice others to read my book.
• I am learning to work collaboratively, reflectively, and creatively, using multimedia tools with integrity and purpose.

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Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, students can:

• Identify the main plot points and themes of their novel clearly.
• Use persuasive techniques appropriate for their audience.
• Organise a storyboard or draft script to guide the creation of a book trailer.
• Demonstrate teamwork, creativity, and responsibility during the planning phase.

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Materials Required

• Student novels (previously read in class)
• Chromebooks or iPads (1 between 2 or own device)
• Graphic organiser for planning
• Print copies of a Storyboard Template
• Whiteboard and projector
• Example book trailer (pre-selected and downloaded)
• Headphones (if available)
• Markers, paper, glue, scissors (optional for paper-based trailers)

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Lesson Outline

1. Welcome & Karakia (5 minutes)

Begin with a short karakia and prayer, asking for inspiration and creativity in our work. Remind learners of our Christian values: to use our gifts to encourage others and reflect God's creativity.

"Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." — Ephesians 4:29

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2. Hook – What Is a Book Trailer? (10 minutes)

• Show an engaging, age-appropriate book trailer for a popular children’s novel (e.g., Wonder or Holes).
• Ask:
  • What makes this trailer exciting?
  • What information did it give you?
  • What did it not tell you – and why?
• Discuss that a trailer teases the story — it entices, not tells everything.

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3. Deconstructing the Trailer (5 minutes)

• On the whiteboard, brainstorm the key elements noticed: images, music, voiceover, text, mystery, and tone.
• Emphasise audience awareness — “How would this make others want to read your book?”

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4. Group Task – Planning the Trailer (25 minutes)

Students work in small groups (2–3), based on chosen novels.

Distribute the following:

• A graphic organiser to map out:
  • Beginning: Hook
  • Middle: Main characters and plot summary (tease, don’t spoil)
  • End: Call to action—“Find out what happens…”
• A blank storyboard sheet to plan visuals and narration

Teacher support:

• Rotate around the class, prompting deep thinking:
  • “What theme from the story could inspire your tone?”
  • “How might you reflect values of courage or hope in your trailer?”
  • “Is there a favourite scene you could allude to without spoiling it?”

Students use images, slogans, and theme words. If using technology, students may begin searching for royalty-free images.

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5. Sharing and Feedback (10 minutes)

• Invite 3–4 groups to present their plan so far.
• Celebrate creative efforts and provide constructive peer feedback using “Glow and Grow”:
  • Glow: What works really well?
  • Grow: What could improve or be clearer?

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6. Reflect & Close (5 minutes)

Bring students together for reflection:

• What was challenging about planning a trailer?
• What strengths did you notice in your team?
• How can this be used to glorify God through communication?

Exit ticket task: Each student writes on a sticky note:

One way our trailer will inspire others to read with purpose.

Close in prayer, thanking God for the stories we read and the ability to share creatively.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative observation of student planning and discussion
• Evaluation of completed storyboards and graphic organisers
• Assessment of group work and participation
• Peer feedback reflection

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Next Steps

• Begin creating the trailers using digital or physical media (Lesson 20).
• Teachers may assign roles: narrator, editor, artist, etc.
• Encourage finishing drafts and beginning production next session.

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Teacher Notes

• Resources required ahead: download trailer video, storyboard templates printed, test devices for camera/sound.
• Consider incorporating scripture or a faith-based quote in the trailer if appropriate for student stories.
• Some students may work better solo due to novel choice – allow flexibility.

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Links to NZ Curriculum

English — Level 3

• Ideas: show a developing understanding of ideas within, across, and beyond texts.
• Language features: use a range of oral, written, and visual language features to create meaning and effect.
• Purposes and audiences: show a developing understanding of how to shape texts for different purposes and audiences.

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Integrated Competencies Focus

• Thinking: Students analyse and summarise textual ideas.
• Using language, symbols, and texts: Students interpret and shape meaning using multimedia.
• Participating and contributing: Students work together, contribute ideas, and consider others’ feedback.