Setting the Scene

Lesson Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 25 students (7 students participating in this specific activity)
Year Group: Year 5 (ages 9-10)
Unit Title: Dahl's Dramatic Adventures

Objectives

• Students will understand the significance of setting in narrative storytelling.
• Students will analyse how Roald Dahl uses settings to enhance his stories.
• Students will collaboratively create a visual representation of a chosen setting from a Dahl story.

Curriculum Links

• English National Curriculum:
  • Spoken Language: Listen and respond appropriately.
  • Writing: Develop narrative writing skills, focusing on setting.
  • Reading: Use inference and deduction to understand texts.

Resources Needed

• Copies of selected Roald Dahl texts (e.g., "James and the Giant Peach", "Matilda")
• Art supplies (paper, crayons, markers, scissors, glue)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Audio-visual equipment (if needed for presenting)
• A large poster or board to create a class collage of settings

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Warm-Up Activity:

   • Start with a brief discussion on what “setting” means. Pose questions such as:
     • "What is a setting?"
     • "How does setting impact a story?"
   • Encourage students to share examples of settings from books or films they know.

2. Class Discussion:

   • Introduce Roald Dahl and highlight a few of his iconic stories. Discuss how the settings in these stories affect characters and plots.
   • Use specific examples from Dahl's works to illustrate various settings (e.g., the giant peach in "James and the Giant Peach" representing adventure).

Exploration (15 minutes)

1. Group Analysis:

   • Break students into 7 small groups (ideal for the 7 selected students to analyse in depth).
   • Assign each group a specific story to read a short excerpt focusing on the setting.
   • Encourage them to consider questions like:
     • "What details does the author provide about the setting?"
     • "How does the setting make you feel about the story?"

2. Sharing Insights:

   • Each group presents their thoughts, highlighting key aspects of the setting that were influential in the narrative.

Creative Activity (25 minutes)

1. Setting Creation:

   • In their groups, students will choose one setting from their assigned story to represent visually.
   • They will draft a plan on paper about what elements to include (e.g., colours, textures, objects).

2. Artistic Representation:

   • Using the provided art supplies, students will create a visual representation of their chosen setting.
   • Students should be encouraged to think creatively – they may wish to add three-dimensional elements or incorporate mixed media.

Closing (10 minutes)

1. Gallery Walk:

   • Once the settings are completed, students will display their work around the classroom.
   • Conduct a brief gallery walk where groups can describe their setting and what inspired them.

2. Reflection:

   • Bring the class together for a final discussion. Prompt students with reflective questions:
     • "How do you think the setting can change a story?"
     • "Which setting did you find most interesting and why?"

Assessment

• Formative Assessment:
  • Monitor group discussions and creative processes, giving feedback and guidance as needed.
• Summative Assessment:
  • Evaluate the visual representations for creativity, understanding of setting, and group collaboration.
• Peer Feedback:
  • Facilitate a peer feedback session where students can comment on each group's work.

Differentiation Strategy

• Provide varied reading materials (simpler texts for some groups, more complex for others).
• Allow for different forms of artistic representation (drawing, collage, digital art).
• Use of role-play for students who may prefer acting over visual art to showcase their settings.

Extension Opportunities

• Encourage students to develop a short scene incorporating dialogue, using their created setting.
• Opportunities for students to present to a younger class, thereby reinforcing their understanding and enhancing their communication skills.

By following this structured plan, educators will create an engaging and meaningful experience for students, helping them grasp the importance of setting in storytelling while nurturing their creativity and collaborative skills.