Rooftoppers Lesson Plans
Katherine Rundell writes, “The world is never quiet, even its greatest secrets are written on the rooftops.” Explain how the setting of the rooftops symbolizes intellectual and emotional freedom.
: Have students write their own description of a city from a "bird's-eye view." Use the Paris setting to explore how height changes perspective. The Power of Similes rooftoppers lesson plans
: Read the opening extract aloud and have students draw what they imagine. This encourages them to translate Rundell’s vivid, poetic prose—like describing a character's voice as "how moonlight might talk"—into visual art. 2. Descriptive Writing and Vocabulary Rundell is famous for her "lyrical prose". Atmospheric Settings Katherine Rundell writes, “The world is never quiet,
| Criteria | Emerging (1) | Proficient (3) | Exemplary (5) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Uses vague recall of plot | Quotes the text to support claims | Traces a single symbol (e.g., stars) across 4+ chapters | | Thematic Argument | States a fact ("Sophie likes the roof") | Makes an inference ("The roof represents freedom") | Argues a paradox ("The roof is both freedom and a prison") | | Creative Voice | Copies a line from the book | Uses Rundell’s techniques (unusual comparisons) | Creates a unique "Martian" perspective on an object | This encourages them to translate Rundell’s vivid, poetic
A final creative writing task where students take characters to new settings beyond the original story. 🎒 Recommended Resource Providers Several platforms offer pre-made bundles and lesson slides:
Katherine Rundell writes with a lyrical quality that mimics the cello music central to the story. A robust unit of work must include plans that focus on the author's craft.


