Reading Scheme of Work - Spring 2 (Lesson 5)

Year Group: 7
Unit: KS3 Whole-Class Reading – Spring 2
Lesson: 5
Genre: Fiction (Historical)
Core Text: The Skylarks’ War – Hilary McKay

Lesson 5 of this Spring 2 whole-class reading unit focuses on how authors use language and inference to prepare the reader and create atmosphere within a historical fiction text.

Through close reading of an extract from The Skylarks’ War, pupils explore how figurative language—such as simile, metaphor and personification—alongside deliberate vocabulary choices, shapes meaning and mood. Pupils are guided to consider what is implied rather than explicitly stated, strengthening their ability to draw inferences using textual evidence.

Contextual information about Hilary McKay and the historical background of the novel supports pupils’ understanding of how setting and authorial perspective influence writing choices. Structured discussion and oracy-focused activities encourage pupils to articulate interpretations clearly, respond to others thoughtfully and justify ideas with reference to the text.

Pupils work collaboratively and independently to identify interesting features of the extract and practise summarising key ideas succinctly, consolidating comprehension and analytical skills.

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

1. Understand how authors prepare readers and create atmosphere
2. Identify and analyse figurative language and vocabulary choices
3. Use inference to interpret meaning that is not directly stated
4. Develop knowledge of the author and historical context of the novel
5. Communicate ideas effectively through discussion
6. Produce concise summaries independently and in groups

This resource aligns with KS3 National Curriculum reading aims, supporting pupils’ development of comprehension, inference, vocabulary analysis and spoken language through high-quality whole-class reading.