Wednesday

19.11.25

LC: To multiply decimals without renaming

RIC

The bell clanged through the cold morning air as Eliza hurried across the yard of the Stonebridge Workhouse. Her thin boots slipped on the frosted ground, but she dared not slow down. Anyone late for roll-call would lose their breakfast—what little of it there was.

Inside, the workhouse felt even colder than outside. The long dining hall echoed with the scrape of metal bowls on wooden tables. A watery porridge steamed in the air, though the smell was far from comforting. Eliza wrapped her arms around herself, wishing for the warmth of the home she once knew.

After breakfast, the rules were read aloud: silence at all times, no talking between boys and girls, obey without question. The words were sharp and heavy, like the keys that hung from the matron’s belt. Work began immediately. Eliza was set to pick oakum—pulling apart old rope with her bare hands. The fibres scratched her fingers until they bled, but she kept working. Everyone did. No one wanted to anger the matron.

Still, as she worked, Eliza glanced toward the high windows. A square of pale sunlight shone through the glass, and for a moment she imagined she could feel its warmth. That tiny patch of light was her reminder that life outside the workhouse still existed—and that maybe, one day, she would see it again.

R - What job was Eliza given after breakfast?

I - Why does Eliza keep working even though her fingers are bleeding?

C - What effect does the phrase “watery porridge” have on the reader?

Wednesday 19th November

Comprehension: The Midnight Market

Milo had never seen the town square so alive at night. Lanterns of every colour hung from ropes strung between the rooftops, painting the cobblestones in shimmering pools of light. He tightened his grip on his father’s hand as they stepped into the Midnight Market—a place whispered about in stories, but rarely seen by anyone under the age of twelve.

Musicians played lively tunes on instruments Milo didn’t recognise: flutes shaped like spirals, drums that glowed faintly with every beat. Stalls lined the edges of the square, each one stacked with curious objects. Some glittered, others buzzed softly, and one even floated several centimetres above the table.

Milo’s father leaned down. “Remember,” he said quietly, “you must only choose one item. The market always takes something in return.”

Before Milo could ask what that meant, a stallholder beckoned him forward. She was wrapped in dark green cloth that shimmered like beetle wings. Her eyes, bright and watchful, seemed to know exactly what he was thinking.

“Looking for something special?” she asked.

Milo nodded, drawn to a small wooden box carved with swirling patterns. It vibrated gently in his hands, as though it held a heartbeat.

“That,” said the stallholder, “is the Box of Echoes. It keeps the sound of a moment you wish never to forget.”

Milo thought of his mother singing to him before she fell ill. He swallowed hard. The box felt suddenly heavier.

“What will it take in return?” he whispered.

The stallholder smiled—a slow, knowing smile. “That is for you to decide. But remember, child… nothing here is taken lightly.”

Questions

1. Where is Milo when the story takes place?
2. How many items is Milo allowed to choose at the market?
3. What object was Milo particularly drawn to?
4. What does the Box of Echoes do?
5. What does the word “shimmered” suggest about the stallholder’s clothing?
6. Find and copy a phrase that shows the market was visually bright.
7. Why do you think Milo tightens his grip on his father’s hand at the start?
8. What might the father mean by “the market always takes something in return”?
9. Why does the box feel “suddenly heavier” when Milo thinks of his mother?
10. What can you infer about the stallholder from the way she speaks to Milo?
11. How does the author create a sense of mystery around the Midnight Market? Give two examples.
12. Summarise in one or two sentences how Milo feels during this scene.

Tuesday 19th November

LC: To describe how animals adapt to new environments.

Animal Adaptations