• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Literal or figurative? Phrases that don't mean what they say; What kind of text is it? Fable, myth, biography, instructions…). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Is this sentence literal or figurative? Dad broke a plate when he dropped it. (literal: it means exactly what it says / figurative: it means something different) → literal: it means exactly what it saysPrompt: Picture exactly what the words say. Could it really happen?
2. Which kind of text is this? The true story of your own life, written by you. (myth / biography / fable / autobiography) → autobiographyPrompt: Is it true (non-fiction) or made up (fiction)?
3. Read the sentence. The new rule was a bitter pill to swallow. What does "a bitter pill to swallow" mean? (some medicine / something tasty / something hard to accept / an easy rule) → something hard to acceptPrompt: The words do not mean exactly what they say.

• Show an interesting word in a sentence and ask what it might mean from the clues around it.
• Share the objective: Words from myths (a Herculean task, an Achilles' heel). Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Use the sentence to work out the meaning. Everything the new shop owner tries is a success; she has the Midas touch. What does "the Midas touch" mean?
• Step 1: Words from myths keep a link to the story they came from.
• Step 2: So the answer is: the ability to make things successful
• Answer: the ability to make things successful
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. Use the sentence to work out the meaning. The coach was a mentor to the young players. What is a "mentor"? (a fan / a new player / a wise and trusted adviser / a strict judge) → a wise and trusted adviserPrompt: Many English words and phrases come from Greek and Roman myths.
2. Read the question. Which day of the week is named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder? (Friday / Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday) → ThursdayPrompt: Say the name and each word aloud. Which sounds alike?

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. Read the question. Which word comes from Pan, the Greek god of the wild who was said to cause sudden fear? (cereal / atlas / panic / volcano) → panicPrompt: Say the name and each word aloud. Which sounds alike?
2. Use the sentence to work out the meaning. Maths is Ana's strong point, but spelling is her Achilles' heel. What is an "Achilles' heel"? (a sore foot / a fast runner / a favourite subject / a weak spot) → a weak spotPrompt: Many English words and phrases come from Greek and Roman myths.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-4.