Peace at Last

These five ready-to-teach KS1 English lessons are based on the wonderful picture book, 'Peace at Last' by Jill Murphy.

After becoming familiar with the Peace at Last story, children will first sequence and then retell the tale in their own words. They will then look at a story map of the book, and adapt it by changing the characters, the places that the character tries to sleep, and the noises that keep them awake. Children will use this adapted story map to write their own version of the story.

Each of the lessons in this Peace at Last Planning Pack include an easy-to-follow plan, a set of engaging slides for the teaching input, differentiated activity ideas and printable resources. Please be aware that, for copyright purposes, we are unable to provide the full text for this scheme of work. Extracts are provided where appropriate.

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Please be aware that, for copyright purposes, we are unable to provide the full text for this scheme of work. Extracts are provided where appropriate.

Becoming Familiar with the Story

In this first lesson, children will be introduced to the Peace at Last story.

They will first be asked to share their ideas on what the book might be about, based on the title and the front cover. Children will be encouraged to talk about the meaning of the word 'peace'. After reading the book together, your class will be asked to show their knowledge and understanding of the story by answering a range of questions.

An easy-to-follow plan, a set of slides for the teaching input, differentiated activity ideas and printable resources are all included in this Peace at Last Lesson Plan Pack.

View Lesson 1

Sequence the Story

Children will first recap the main events of the story, and answer some questions about it together. They will then discuss why some of the words are written in capital letters.

After reading the book again as a class, children will be asked which of two events in the story happened first. In their independent activities, they will be challenged to sequence the main events of the story using the resources provided.

This Peace at Last Sequencing lesson includes everything you need - a detailed plan, an engaging slideshow, and differentiated, printable resources.

View Lesson 2

Retell the Story

In this lesson, children will first discuss and order the different noises that Mr Bear is disturbed by throughout the story, before talking about ideas for a different title for the book.

After listening to the story being read aloud to them again, children will sit in a circle and retell the story together, with each person telling a short section before it is the next person's turn. In their independent activities, children will create their own story booklet.

With a detailed lesson plan, a slideshow presentation for the teaching input, and differentiated worksheets for the independent activities, this Peace at Last Lesson Planning Pack has everything you need for a successful lesson.

View Lesson 3

Planning a New Version of the Story

In this lesson, children will first look at the Peace at Last Story Map provided, and retell the story using it.

After discussing ideas as a class, children will then create a story map for their own version of the story, by changing the characters, the places that the character tries to sleep, and the noises that keep them awake.

This complete Peace at Last Planning lesson includes a comprehensive plan, an engaging slideshow and differentiated worksheets to cater for all ability levels.

View Lesson 4

Writing a New Version of the Story

In this final lesson, children will be shown how to use their story map to write their version of the Peace at Last story.

They will be encouraged to orally rehearse their sentences, as well as being reminded when and where to use capital letters. Children will then use their story map to begin writing their version of the tale. Once completed, they share their writing with one another.

An easy-to-follow plan, an informative slide show and printable resources are provided in this final Peace at Last lesson pack.

View Lesson 5