The Firework Maker's Daughter - Chapter 4 - Double Lesson!

This engaging and comprehensive reading and writing lesson develops children’s understanding of Chapter 4 (The Mountain) of Philip Pullman’s The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, whilst building their vocabulary, comprehension and descriptive writing skills.

Through an illustrated slideshow and accompanying worksheet, children retrieve key information, infer characters’ feelings and explore how Pullman brings Lila’s difficult mountain climb to life. They then apply his techniques to create their own descriptive passages about a challenge they have faced, using sensory details, precise verbs, similes and repetition to convey effort and emotion.

The lesson includes:
-Vocabulary activities to clarify unfamiliar language;
-Two sets of retrieval questions with answers;
-Discussion and inference tasks exploring Chulak’s response to the goddess and Lila’s determination;
-Guided exploration of the mountain’s descriptive language;
-A structured planning and writing worksheet with generous space for a sustained passage;
-Model responses, writing prompts and an additional challenge;
-A final learning review with self-assessment and an exit question.

Answers, suggested responses and teaching ideas are provided in the slideshow notes and on the second page of the worksheet.

Ideal for whole-class or guided reading in Years 3 and 4, with opportunities for paired discussion and independent writing. Children will need access to Chapter 4 of the novel.