The Tear Thief

Overview

Duration: 20 minutes
Class Size: 12 Students
Curriculum Area: English - Reading Comprehension
Curriculum Level: Key Stage 1 (Year 3) - National Curriculum in England

Learning Objectives

1. Reading Comprehension: Students will understand and interpret key elements from pages 9 and 10 of The Tear Thief by Carol Ann Duffy.
2. Vocabulary Development: Students will identify and understand new vocabulary from the text.
3. Creative Thinking: Students will engage in a short creative writing exercise inspired by the text.

Materials Required

• Copies of The Tear Thief (one per student).
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Index cards.
• Pencils and paper for each student.

Session Outline

Introduction (2 minutes)

• Begin by gathering the students in a circle on the carpet area.
• Explain that today, they will explore a magical story called The Tear Thief.
• Remind students about the importance of using their imagination to enjoy the story.

Reading and Vocabulary (5 minutes)

1. Read Aloud:

   • Read pages 9 and 10 of The Tear Thief aloud to the class using expressive voice modulation. Encourage students to listen carefully to the language and emotions conveyed.

2. Vocabulary Focus:

   • Highlight a few challenging or intriguing words from the pages read, such as "glistening" and "mischief".
   • Write these words on the board.
   • Discuss their meanings and encourage students to use them in sentences.

Guided Discussion (5 minutes)

• Facilitate a brief discussion with open-ended questions to prompt students' understanding and interpretation of the text:
  • What do you think the Tear Thief is doing on these pages?
  • How would you feel if you met the Tear Thief?
  • Why do you think tears might have different meanings or values?

Creative Activity (6 minutes)

• Tear Thief's Collection:
  • Provide each student with an index card.
  • Ask them to imagine a tear they have cried or someone else has cried. What made the tear special? What colour or texture does it have?
  • Instruct them to draw or write a brief description of this tear on their index card.
  • Encourage creativity by suggesting they think of magical properties or fantastical stories for their tears.

Closing (2 minutes)

• Invite a few students to share their tear stories or drawings with the class.
• Congratulate them on their creativity and remind them how literature can inspire imaginative thinking.

Assessment

• Participation: Note students who actively participated in discussions and shared creative ideas.
• Vocabulary Understanding: Check for correct usage of new vocabulary in students' responses.
• Creative Expression: Evaluate the level of creativity and imagination in the tear stories/descriptions.

Differentiation

• For Struggling Readers: Provide paired reading support from teaching assistants or peer buddies.
• For Advanced Students: Encourage them to write a short poem or additional paragraph about the Tear Thief's adventures.

By focusing on interactive storytelling and imaginative exercises, this lesson aims to engage Year 3 students and develop their reading and creative skills in a meaningful way aligned with UK education standards.