Boys Don't Cry - Unit of Work

Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman

Boys Don’t Cry is a unit of work containing a 171-slide editable PowerPoint presentation, 22 PDF worksheets and 16 one-hour lessons. This engaging scheme of work explores Malorie Blackman’s novel chapter by chapter, analysing its plot, characters, themes and language through a range of activities. The resource has been designed for GCSE but it can also be used with Year 9 depending on ability.

To preview ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ click the images. When you click on an image it will expand, allowing you to view each slide in detail. You can view all 171 PowerPoint slides this way.

Activities contained in the lessons include:

• Engaging chapter by chapter activities to consolidate understanding as learners read through the book.

• Reading comprehension questions (all with example answers) to assess students’ knowledge of plot, character, language, and themes.

• Analysis of the characters of Dante, Adam, Tyler, Josh and Aunt Jackie.

• Exploration of the key themes of teenage parenting, responsibility, family, prejudice, homophobia, toxic masculinity, gender, grief, bravery and growing up.

• Developing the key reading skills of inference and deduction.

• Analysing structural techniques such as the novel’s dual narrative and Blackman’s use of suspense and tension.

• Exploring the author’s use of language for effect.

• Examining the GCSE question – analysing GCSE exam questions and model answers and completing a formal assessment task

• Role play - hot-seating to aid understating of characters, plot and themes.

• Developing understanding of character through empathy writing tasks as well as character and growth arcs.

• Constructing a Boys Don’t Cry knowledge organiser.

• ‘Do Now’ activities including a Boys Don’t Cry themed crossword, word search, sequencing task, matching game, anagrams and more.

• Plus, lots more.

To view our Boys Don’t Cry unit slide by slide, click on the images.