The boy in the striped pyjamas lesson 1

The boy in the striped pyjamas lesson 1. LO: 1. Retrieve specific information from the text to answer questions and make predictions 2. Use discussion skills to form a view about characters and the likely direction of the story

Starter • The cover of a book is not only crucial in helping us to decide whether we want to read it; it can also say much about the story and themes. • Publishers spend a lot of time deciding which colour, design, illustration or photograph will give the right impression.

Cover 1 (folded pyjamas) • Who do the pyjamas belong to? • Why are there dirty smudges on the pyjamas? • Why would dirty pyjamas be neatly folded? • What is the significance of the number on the pyjamas? • What’s in the background of the picture? Why is it there?

Cover 2 (striped pyjama pattern for book cover) • The colour seems oldfashioned: is this because the story is from the past? • Why do you think the stripes and colours are faded? • Why do you think the cover is so plain?

Cover 3 (two boys standing side by side) • Who are these children? • We cannot see any facial expressions. Are the children happy or sad? • Where might they be? • What is the relationship between the boys? • Is this a posed photograph? Who do you think so/not?

Introduction Read chapters 1 and 2. • When and where is the book set? • How old is Bruno? • Where does he live? • Who does he live with? • What impression do we get of his character? Use evidence from the book in your answers!

Questions 1 Why have Bruno’s family suddenly moved house? Use evidence: give a page number, and your conclusion. 2 Who are the Fury and the beautiful blonde woman? Use evidence: give a page number, and your conclusion. 3 What does Father’s new job? Use evidence: give a page number, and your conclusion.

Withholding Knowledge • At this stage, who knows more about what’s going on: the reader or Bruno? • Extension - can you comment on how this is effective?

Plenary • In exactly twenty words, sum up what you know about the novel Boy in the Striped Pyjamas already!