An Introduction to "A Midsummer Night's Dream": Small Book (Pelican Big Books)
Pelican Big Books Series
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What’s inside...
Part of the 'Pelican Big Books' series, this reference book focuses on teaching language and vocabulary use, as well as character study. It is specifically designed to meet the National Literacy Strategy's term-by-term requirements and supports shared reading during the literacy hour. The book features highly visible text, memorable texts by top authors, stunning illustrations, and links to National Curriculum and QCA topics. Each book includes Teacher's Notes with ideas for class and group work.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the actions of the characters influence the events in the story?
What emotions did the characters experience throughout the play and why?
How do the magical elements in the story impact the overall tale?
What do you think could have happened if certain characters made different choices?
How do the themes of love and misunderstanding play out in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to think and express their thoughts.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story; ask what they would do in a character's situation.
Discuss the different feelings the characters might be feeling and explore why those emotions come up.
Draw parallels between the magic in the story and the magic in everyday life to make the themes relatable.
Stress the importance of viewing the story from different perspectives to enhance empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: The mix-ups and misunderstandings among the characters in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' highlight the necessity of empathy. As characters misinterpret each other’s actions and words, it reveals how things can go awry without understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider other people's feelings and perspectives, which can help them navigate social situations and conflicts more effectively.
Example Lesson: The value of resolution and forgiveness
Explanation: By the end of the play, characters forgive each other and resolve their conflicts, demonstrating the importance of reconciliation.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of resolving disputes and mending relationships, fostering a more harmonious interaction with peers and family.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The fantastical elements of the play, including fairies and magic, serve to enhance the imaginative aspects of the story.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination and creativity in play and storytelling, developing their cognitive and creative skills.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Characters in the play deal with the consequences of their decisions, particularly related to the use of the magic flower, which alters feelings of love.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to think about the outcomes of their actions and to consider how their choices can affect others.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the play must work together to untangle the web of enchantments and misunderstandings, highlighting the effectiveness of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of collaboration and working together to solve problems.