Exploring Story Clues

Lesson Overview

This 5-minute interactive session engages Year 1 pupils in understanding key story elements such as authors, illustrators, predictions, and blurbs. It introduces foundational literacy skills in line with the National Curriculum for England, focussing on developing pupils' speaking, listening, and comprehension abilities through guided discussion and paired activities.

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National Curriculum Links

• English – Reading: Word Reading and Comprehension
  • Understand the concept of prediction in stories (English Programme of Study, KS1)
  • Identify the roles of an author and illustrator (compared with composition and structure of texts)
  • Engage in discussion about texts, listening to others and expressing ideas clearly (Speaking and Listening)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Recognise the role of an author and an illustrator in a book.
• Define what a prediction is and explain how they can make predictions about a story.
• Locate the blurb on a book and understand what information it provides.
• Use blurbs to help make predictions about the content of books.
• Express their thoughts clearly with a partner, practising listening and speaking skills.

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Resources

• 4 printed multiple-choice questions with large font (for whole-class quick quiz)
• 3-4 children’s books with covers, titles, and blurbs visible
• Printed blurbs separate from the book covers (laminated cards)
• Visual aid illustrating author vs illustrator roles
• Whiteboard or flipchart for notes

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Quick Quiz (2 minutes)

Activity:

• Teacher asks the class a set of four quick questions, displaying each question with four options (A, B, C, D) on the board or paper for choices:
  1. What is an author? (Options e.g. A person who writes the story / A person who draws pictures / A reader / A character)
  2. What is an illustrator? (Options e.g. A person who writes words / A person who draws pictures / The main character / A book's editor)
  3. What is a prediction? (Options e.g. A guess about what will happen / The ending of a story / The cover of the book / The pictures inside)
  4. Can we make a prediction without reading the full story? (Options e.g. Yes / No / Only when the book is long / Only after reading the ending)
• Children raise hands or share answers aloud for immediate feedback.

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2. Introducing the Blurb (1 minute)

Teacher shows a book, points to the blurb, and asks:

• Where can we find the blurb? (Typically on the back cover)
• What does the blurb tell you? (Brief summary or clues about the story inside)
• Teacher models by reading aloud a short blurb, highlighting keywords or exciting hints.

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3. Hands-on Pair Activity: Match and Discuss (2 minutes)

Activity:

• Arrange children into pairs and provide each pair with a selection of book covers, titles, and blurbs (separate cards).
• Task: Match each blurb card to the correct book cover and title.
• Once matched, pairs discuss these prompts:
  • How did the blurb help you make predictions about the story?
  • What clues did you find most useful?
• Teacher circulates, listens to discussions, offers supportive questions (e.g., "Why did this blurb make you think the story is fun or scary?").

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Assessment & Feedback

• Informal formative assessment through observing pupil responses during the quiz and paired discussions.
• Check understanding by listening to children’s reasoning in the matching activity.
• Praise clear explanations and thoughtful predictions, emphasizing language like “I think,” “because,” and “I noticed.”

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Differentiation

• Support pupils needing extra help by pairing them with confident readers.
• For more able pupils, extend the discussion with "What other clues might we look for in a story?" or “How does the illustrator’s picture help with predictions?”

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Reflection for Teachers

• This session seamlessly incorporates speaking and listening skills, comprehension, and understanding of book features.
• It introduces children to metacognitive thinking — making and justifying predictions — a key literacy skill.
• Its brevity keeps attention high, while the practical matching activity engages kinaesthetic and social learners.

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End of Lesson