Literacy - Millions

1. 16th March 2016
‘Millions’
LO: to infer meaning

2. Infer means to read between the lines –
obvious meaning and deeper meaning.
• How’s he
feeling?
• Why?
• What did
you do to
get your
answers?

3. You have just inferred deeper meaning. You looked for clues to get ideas about
what is happening beyond the surface meaning. Always, read between the
lines for deeper meaning.
• How’s she
feeling?
• Why?
• What did
you do to
get your
answers?

4. Our past and our memories can be some of the most precious and important things about us. We often like
to have things around us that remind us of past experiences and keep us in touch with the person that we
used to be.
At the start the boys have moved to a new house. They have left the home they grew up in and where they
used to live as a family. Imagine that to help them settle in to their new house each of the boys has packed
a special suitcase, one that is filled with things that are precious to them and that they want to keep safe.

5. •Choose to think about either Damian or Anthony and draw a suitcase of the precious objects they would want to keep safe in
the house move.
There should be a mix of different objects in the suitcase. They might include keepsakes from when they were a baby,
favourite toys from when they were younger or things they made like paintings and drawings.
The objects might be seem insignificant, but be very important to them e.g. a theatre ticket from a family outing to see a
Christmas pantomime.
•Annotate or label each of the objects with the reasons it has been chosen. For example: Damian would want to keep the
photo album that contains photos of him as a baby. I think this would be one of his most precious possessions as it would
have photos in of his mum holding him safe. It shows that he thinks memories of his family are important and would help
make him happy in the new house.
•Your work must be neatly presented, punctuated and spelling must be checked. Literacy is about developing reading, writing
and speaking and listening skills.
Top tips
Remember the objects that you choose should reveal something about the boys’ characters so think carefully about what you
know about them and what has made them into the person they are. Don’t forget it is only a suitcase, not a crate, so don’t
include too many things!
Extension task
If you had to move house what would you put in your suitcase of memories? Draw and label the contents of your suitcase of
memories. What special things would you want as reminders of your old life?

6.  Finish reading Chapter 5.
 Saints are famous for performing miracles. Damian thinks that he sees some saints in the novel.
 Write down two reasons for why you think that Damian believes in saints.
 Discuss and write down ideas about why you think that the author includes sections about Saints.
 What does it add to the novel?
 Start reading chapter 6.
 Plenary: summarise anything new you have learnt about the characters:
characteristics/personality/hobbies. Feedback.