Year 6 Reading Unit Taster – Goodnight Mister Tom (Lesson 1)
Kick-start your Year 6 reading unit with this engaging taster lesson based on Chapter 1 of Goodnight Mister Tom. This lesson focuses on building pupils’ first impressions of Willie Beech, using carefully selected extracts to explore character, inference and retrieval skills.

Lesson Focus:
Pupils read and analyse key moments from Chapter 1 to develop an understanding of Willie’s character, emotions and background. Through structured activities, they practise scanning for evidence, retrieving key details and making thoughtful inferences.

What’s Included:

Editable PowerPoint – clear lesson input, modelling and guided questions
Chapter 1 Extracts – broken into manageable sections focusing on:

Physical description
Behaviour and anxiety
Hints of abuse
Expectations of punishment

Reading Worksheet – structured retrieval and inference activity with:

Evidence collection table
Character impression prompts
Extended summary task

Adapted Chapter 1 Text – simplified version designed for a child with a reading age of approximately 7, including linked retrieval questions to support access and inclusion

Skills Covered:

Retrieval of key information from a text
Inference and deduction
Use of evidence to support ideas
Developing first impressions of a character
Understanding how authors reveal character through language

Perfect For:

Year 6 reading lessons
Whole-class guided reading
Mixed ability groups (with built-in support)
Transition units or book taster sessions

Why Teachers Love It:
This lesson provides a highly engaging entry point into a powerful class novel, while supporting all learners through differentiation. The adapted text ensures full participation, while the main activities challenge pupils to think deeply about character and authorial intent.