Ready Steady Read Together
Non-Fiction Lesson 1
What do you think you know?
What?
Who?
Why?
Where?
How?
When?
Book Talk: Let's explore this illustration.
Explore
What do you know and think?
When Britain asked for help to rebuild the country, some of them answered the call, choosing to start a new life in the ‘mother country’.
How might this extract link to the illustration?
Explore
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Today's Question(s)
A) How did members of the Windrush generation show loyalty to Britain and the Commonwealth?
B) What impression do you get of Floella Benjamin’s home in Trinidad?
Explore
Let me read today's text
Explore
The Windrush Generation
After World War Two, Britain was struggling to recover from the devastation caused by years of bombing. Many buildings and houses in towns and cities had been destroyed and needed to be rebuilt. At the time, many Caribbean countries were still under British rule and several Caribbean people had served in the British armed forces during the war. When Britain asked for help to rebuild the country, some of them answered the call, choosing to start a new life in the ‘mother country’. On 22nd June 1948, the ship Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex. On board were over 500 passengers from the Caribbean, all hoping to build a better future and start their new lives in Britain. Each year, this historic event is commemorated on 22nd June, known as Windrush Day.
Life in Trinidad
The house we lived in was a small wooden building on stilts with dazzling whitewashed walls. There were windows and doors at the front and the back. We had two bedrooms which were the scene of many pillow fights and trampolining sessions, a small washroom, with a sink and cold tap, an airy kitchen with a large glassless louvred window where we also ate all our meals, and finally a sitting room where no one was allowed except on special occasions or when we had visitors. This room was my mother’s pride and joy. Its brilliant white curtains always smelt fresh and the mahogany furniture was always highly polished, as was the wooden floor. My sister and I spent many hours polishing and shining that room as far back as I can remember. We had to do the polishing before we left for school each day. The comfortable wooden chairs in the room were draped with crisp white lace headrests and the round table, which we ate from on Sundays and other special occasions, had a doily in its centre, on which sat a vase of glorious fresh flowers. These were from our small front garden, which was full of exotic, sweet-smelling flowers and shrubs such as beautiful flame-red hibiscus which seemed to attract swarms of exquisite butterflies and hovering humming birds, in search of nectar. The back yard was where Marmie grew vegetables for our kitchen, like pigeon peas, cassavas, okras and dasheen. A tall bushy tree stood in the yard, reaching up to the kitchen window.
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Vocabulary
Explore
Hover for defintions!
glassless louvred window
commemorated
mahogany
lace headrests
doily
exquisite
Explore
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
I will model the first.
Find the word or phrase Read the sentence Talk about it to a partner
commemorated
Explore
Find Read Talk
Each year, this historic event is commemorated on 22nd June, known as Windrush Day.
Reveal Vocabulary
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
commemorated
Your turn
glassless louvred window
Find the word or phrase Read the sentence Talk about it to a partner
mahogany
lace headrests
doily
exquisite
Use your text
Explore
Vocabulary Check
Explore
Reveal Vocabulary
Teacher Note: Re-read if time allows.
The Windrush Generation
After World War Two, Britain was struggling to recover from the devastation caused by years of bombing. Many buildings and houses in towns and cities had been destroyed and needed to be rebuilt. At the time, many Caribbean countries were still under British rule and several Caribbean people had served in the British armed forces during the war. When Britain asked for help to rebuild the country, some of them answered the call, choosing to start a new life in the ‘mother country’. On 22nd June 1948, the ship Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex. On board were over 500 passengers from the Caribbean, all hoping to build a better future and start their new lives in Britain. Each year, this historic event is commemorated on 22nd June, known as Windrush Day.
Reveal Vocabulary
Teacher Note: Re-read if time allows.
Life in Trinidad
The house we lived in was a small wooden building on stilts with dazzling whitewashed walls. There were windows and doors at the front and the back. We had two bedrooms which were the scene of many pillow fights and trampolining sessions, a small washroom, with a sink and cold tap, an airy kitchen with a large glassless louvred window where we also ate all our meals, and finally a sitting room where no one was allowed except on special occasions or when we had visitors. This room was my mother’s pride and joy. Its brilliant white curtains always smelt fresh and the mahogany furniture was always highly polished, as was the wooden floor. My sister and I spent many hours polishing and shining that room as far back as I can remember. We had to do the polishing before we left for school each day. The comfortable wooden chairs in the room were draped with crisp white lace headrests and the round table, which we ate from on Sundays and other special occasions, had a doily in its centre, on which sat a vase of glorious fresh flowers. These were from our small front garden, which was full of exotic, sweet-smelling flowers and shrubs such as beautiful flame-red hibiscus which seemed to attract swarms of exquisite butterflies and hovering humming birds, in search of nectar. The back yard was where Marmie grew vegetables for our kitchen, like pigeon peas, cassavas, okras and dasheen. A tall bushy tree stood in the yard, reaching up to the kitchen window.
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Fluency
Explore
Let me use my reader's voice...
This room was my mother’s pride and joy. Its brilliant white curtains always smelt fresh and the mahogany furniture was always highly polished, as was the wooden floor. My sister and I spent many hours polishing and shining that room as far back as I can remember.
What did you notice?
Explore
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
My Turn
Your Turn
Echo Read
This room was my mother’s pride and joy.
Its brilliant white curtains always smelt fresh
and the mahogany furniture was always highly polished, as was the wooden floor.
My sister and I spent many hours polishing and shining that room as far back as I can remember.
Explore
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Sound like a reader!
Stand up!
Choral Read
This room was my mother’s pride and joy. Its brilliant white curtains always smelt fresh and the mahogany furniture was always highly polished, as was the wooden floor. My sister and I spent many hours polishing and shining that room as far back as I can remember.
Explore
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Strategy Focus
Explore
Strategy: Read Between the Lines
A) How did members of the Windrush generation show loyalty to Britain and the Commonwealth?
Be a detective and look for clues!
Teach
Let me show you
Reveal Text Marks
At the time, many Caribbean countries were still under British rule and several Caribbean people had served in the British armed forces during the war. When Britain asked for help to rebuild the country, some of them answered the call, choosing to start a new life in the ‘mother country’.
A) How did members of the Windrush generation show loyalty to Britain and the Commonwealth?
People from Commonwealth countries were so loyal to Britain that they risked their lives by fighting in the British armed forces during WW2.
Reveal Explainer
Teach
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Strategy Stop
What else could you use to answer today's question(s)?
Teach
Your Turn
A) How did members of the Windrush generation show loyalty to Britain and the Commonwealth?
B) What impression do you get of Floella Benjamin’s home in Trinidad?
Find the answers
Text mark
Explore
Acceptable Answers
A) How did members of the Windrush generation show loyalty to Britain and the Commonwealth?
Text Mark Evidence - when Britain asked for help to rebuild the country, some of them answered the call - 500 passengers from the Caribbean, all hoping to build a better future and start their new lives in Britain
willing to relocate
Text Mark Evidence (Windrush generation) choosing to start a new life in the 'mother country’
deep connection to Britain
Click on the evidence to reveal acceptable answers
Practise & Apply
Acceptable Answers
Text Mark Evidence the house we lived in was a small wooden building on stilts
modest building
B) What impression do you get of Floella Benjamin’s home in Trinidad?
immaculate and well-kept
Text Mark Evidence - dazzling whitewashed walls - its brilliant white curtains always smelt fresh - the mahogany furniture was always highly polished, as was the wooden floor - my sister and I spent many hours polishing and shining that room - we had to do the polishing before we left for school each day
Go to the next slide for more....
Click on the evidence to reveal acceptable answers
Text Mark Evidence we had two bedrooms which were the scene of many pillow fights and trampolining sessions
full of fun memories
Practise & Apply
Acceptable Answers
Text Mark Evidence - this room was my mother’s pride and joy - the comfortable wooden chairs in the room were draped with crisp white lace headrests - the round table…had a doily in its centre, on which sat a vase of glorious fresh flowers
homely and nicely decorated
B) What impression do you get of Floella Benjamin’s home in Trinidad?
Text Mark Evidence - our small front garden, which was full of exotic, sweet-smelling flowers and shrubs - the back yard was where Marmie grew vegetables for our kitchen
beautiful and useful garden
Click on the evidence to reveal acceptable answers
Practise & Apply
Quiz Time
Start
Picture Me
Which image is the best match for ‘doily’?
Find Me
Find the word which means ‘remembered and honoured’.
On 22nd June 1948, the ship Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex. On board were over 500 passengers from the Caribbean, all hoping to build a better future and start their new lives in Britain.
Each year, this historic event is commemorated on 22nd June, known as Windrush Day.
Discuss then check
commemorated
Which One's Right?
These were from our small front garden, which was full of exotic, sweet-smelling flowers and shrubs such as beautiful flame-red hibiscus which seemed to attract swarms of exquisite butterflies and hovering humming birds, in search of nectar.
Which is the correct meaning for ‘exquisite’?
A large and colourful
B beautiful and delicate
D hungry and quick
C fragile and bland
Tick Me
Which statement best summarises ‘Life in Trinidad’?
Tick one
A Life in the house was dull and uncomfortable, with many chores and lots of rules.
B The house was neglected and untidy, with care only given to the garden.
Check
C Though the house was modest, it was pristine and a source of pride and happy memories.
Click if correct
D The family lived in a large, elaborate house and often entertained guests.
Feedback: Who did what well?
FindRead Talk
EchoRead
ChoralRead
ReadingStrategy
Answers & Text Marks
Other...
To be a book lover, you could...
ask questions.
Reveal
Think of questions as you read and look for answers in the text.
Copyright Notice
This document has been supplied under a CLA Licence with specific terms of use. It is protected by copyright and, save as may be permitted by law, it may not be further copied, stored, re-copied electronically or otherwise shared, even for internal purposes, without the prior further permission of the Rightsholder. Extracts sourced from: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021 Schools must purchase the original text for full content.
RSRT L1 Coming to England
Literacy Counts
Created on July 14, 2025
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Big Data: The Data That Drives the World
View
Momentum: Onboarding Presentation
View
Urban Illustrated Presentation
View
3D Corporate Reporting
View
Discover Your AI Assistant
View
Vision Board
View
SWOT Challenge: Classify Key Factors
Explore all templates
Transcript
Ready Steady Read Together
Non-Fiction Lesson 1
What do you think you know?
What?
Who?
Why?
Where?
How?
When?
Book Talk: Let's explore this illustration.
Explore
What do you know and think?
When Britain asked for help to rebuild the country, some of them answered the call, choosing to start a new life in the ‘mother country’.
How might this extract link to the illustration?
Explore
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Today's Question(s)
A) How did members of the Windrush generation show loyalty to Britain and the Commonwealth?
B) What impression do you get of Floella Benjamin’s home in Trinidad?
Explore
Let me read today's text
Explore
The Windrush Generation
After World War Two, Britain was struggling to recover from the devastation caused by years of bombing. Many buildings and houses in towns and cities had been destroyed and needed to be rebuilt. At the time, many Caribbean countries were still under British rule and several Caribbean people had served in the British armed forces during the war. When Britain asked for help to rebuild the country, some of them answered the call, choosing to start a new life in the ‘mother country’. On 22nd June 1948, the ship Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex. On board were over 500 passengers from the Caribbean, all hoping to build a better future and start their new lives in Britain. Each year, this historic event is commemorated on 22nd June, known as Windrush Day.
Life in Trinidad
The house we lived in was a small wooden building on stilts with dazzling whitewashed walls. There were windows and doors at the front and the back. We had two bedrooms which were the scene of many pillow fights and trampolining sessions, a small washroom, with a sink and cold tap, an airy kitchen with a large glassless louvred window where we also ate all our meals, and finally a sitting room where no one was allowed except on special occasions or when we had visitors. This room was my mother’s pride and joy. Its brilliant white curtains always smelt fresh and the mahogany furniture was always highly polished, as was the wooden floor. My sister and I spent many hours polishing and shining that room as far back as I can remember. We had to do the polishing before we left for school each day. The comfortable wooden chairs in the room were draped with crisp white lace headrests and the round table, which we ate from on Sundays and other special occasions, had a doily in its centre, on which sat a vase of glorious fresh flowers. These were from our small front garden, which was full of exotic, sweet-smelling flowers and shrubs such as beautiful flame-red hibiscus which seemed to attract swarms of exquisite butterflies and hovering humming birds, in search of nectar. The back yard was where Marmie grew vegetables for our kitchen, like pigeon peas, cassavas, okras and dasheen. A tall bushy tree stood in the yard, reaching up to the kitchen window.
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Vocabulary
Explore
Hover for defintions!
glassless louvred window
commemorated
mahogany
lace headrests
doily
exquisite
Explore
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
I will model the first.
Find the word or phrase Read the sentence Talk about it to a partner
commemorated
Explore
Find Read Talk
Each year, this historic event is commemorated on 22nd June, known as Windrush Day.
Reveal Vocabulary
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
commemorated
Your turn
glassless louvred window
Find the word or phrase Read the sentence Talk about it to a partner
mahogany
lace headrests
doily
exquisite
Use your text
Explore
Vocabulary Check
Explore
Reveal Vocabulary
Teacher Note: Re-read if time allows.
The Windrush Generation
After World War Two, Britain was struggling to recover from the devastation caused by years of bombing. Many buildings and houses in towns and cities had been destroyed and needed to be rebuilt. At the time, many Caribbean countries were still under British rule and several Caribbean people had served in the British armed forces during the war. When Britain asked for help to rebuild the country, some of them answered the call, choosing to start a new life in the ‘mother country’. On 22nd June 1948, the ship Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex. On board were over 500 passengers from the Caribbean, all hoping to build a better future and start their new lives in Britain. Each year, this historic event is commemorated on 22nd June, known as Windrush Day.
Reveal Vocabulary
Teacher Note: Re-read if time allows.
Life in Trinidad
The house we lived in was a small wooden building on stilts with dazzling whitewashed walls. There were windows and doors at the front and the back. We had two bedrooms which were the scene of many pillow fights and trampolining sessions, a small washroom, with a sink and cold tap, an airy kitchen with a large glassless louvred window where we also ate all our meals, and finally a sitting room where no one was allowed except on special occasions or when we had visitors. This room was my mother’s pride and joy. Its brilliant white curtains always smelt fresh and the mahogany furniture was always highly polished, as was the wooden floor. My sister and I spent many hours polishing and shining that room as far back as I can remember. We had to do the polishing before we left for school each day. The comfortable wooden chairs in the room were draped with crisp white lace headrests and the round table, which we ate from on Sundays and other special occasions, had a doily in its centre, on which sat a vase of glorious fresh flowers. These were from our small front garden, which was full of exotic, sweet-smelling flowers and shrubs such as beautiful flame-red hibiscus which seemed to attract swarms of exquisite butterflies and hovering humming birds, in search of nectar. The back yard was where Marmie grew vegetables for our kitchen, like pigeon peas, cassavas, okras and dasheen. A tall bushy tree stood in the yard, reaching up to the kitchen window.
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Fluency
Explore
Let me use my reader's voice...
This room was my mother’s pride and joy. Its brilliant white curtains always smelt fresh and the mahogany furniture was always highly polished, as was the wooden floor. My sister and I spent many hours polishing and shining that room as far back as I can remember.
What did you notice?
Explore
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
My Turn
Your Turn
Echo Read
This room was my mother’s pride and joy.
Its brilliant white curtains always smelt fresh
and the mahogany furniture was always highly polished, as was the wooden floor.
My sister and I spent many hours polishing and shining that room as far back as I can remember.
Explore
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Sound like a reader!
Stand up!
Choral Read
This room was my mother’s pride and joy. Its brilliant white curtains always smelt fresh and the mahogany furniture was always highly polished, as was the wooden floor. My sister and I spent many hours polishing and shining that room as far back as I can remember.
Explore
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Strategy Focus
Explore
Strategy: Read Between the Lines
A) How did members of the Windrush generation show loyalty to Britain and the Commonwealth?
Be a detective and look for clues!
Teach
Let me show you
Reveal Text Marks
At the time, many Caribbean countries were still under British rule and several Caribbean people had served in the British armed forces during the war. When Britain asked for help to rebuild the country, some of them answered the call, choosing to start a new life in the ‘mother country’.
A) How did members of the Windrush generation show loyalty to Britain and the Commonwealth?
People from Commonwealth countries were so loyal to Britain that they risked their lives by fighting in the British armed forces during WW2.
Reveal Explainer
Teach
From: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Strategy Stop
What else could you use to answer today's question(s)?
Teach
Your Turn
A) How did members of the Windrush generation show loyalty to Britain and the Commonwealth?
B) What impression do you get of Floella Benjamin’s home in Trinidad?
Find the answers
Text mark
Explore
Acceptable Answers
A) How did members of the Windrush generation show loyalty to Britain and the Commonwealth?
Text Mark Evidence - when Britain asked for help to rebuild the country, some of them answered the call - 500 passengers from the Caribbean, all hoping to build a better future and start their new lives in Britain
willing to relocate
Text Mark Evidence (Windrush generation) choosing to start a new life in the 'mother country’
deep connection to Britain
Click on the evidence to reveal acceptable answers
Practise & Apply
Acceptable Answers
Text Mark Evidence the house we lived in was a small wooden building on stilts
modest building
B) What impression do you get of Floella Benjamin’s home in Trinidad?
immaculate and well-kept
Text Mark Evidence - dazzling whitewashed walls - its brilliant white curtains always smelt fresh - the mahogany furniture was always highly polished, as was the wooden floor - my sister and I spent many hours polishing and shining that room - we had to do the polishing before we left for school each day
Go to the next slide for more....
Click on the evidence to reveal acceptable answers
Text Mark Evidence we had two bedrooms which were the scene of many pillow fights and trampolining sessions
full of fun memories
Practise & Apply
Acceptable Answers
Text Mark Evidence - this room was my mother’s pride and joy - the comfortable wooden chairs in the room were draped with crisp white lace headrests - the round table…had a doily in its centre, on which sat a vase of glorious fresh flowers
homely and nicely decorated
B) What impression do you get of Floella Benjamin’s home in Trinidad?
Text Mark Evidence - our small front garden, which was full of exotic, sweet-smelling flowers and shrubs - the back yard was where Marmie grew vegetables for our kitchen
beautiful and useful garden
Click on the evidence to reveal acceptable answers
Practise & Apply
Quiz Time
Start
Picture Me
Which image is the best match for ‘doily’?
Find Me
Find the word which means ‘remembered and honoured’.
On 22nd June 1948, the ship Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex. On board were over 500 passengers from the Caribbean, all hoping to build a better future and start their new lives in Britain. Each year, this historic event is commemorated on 22nd June, known as Windrush Day.
Discuss then check
commemorated
Which One's Right?
These were from our small front garden, which was full of exotic, sweet-smelling flowers and shrubs such as beautiful flame-red hibiscus which seemed to attract swarms of exquisite butterflies and hovering humming birds, in search of nectar.
Which is the correct meaning for ‘exquisite’?
A large and colourful
B beautiful and delicate
D hungry and quick
C fragile and bland
Tick Me
Which statement best summarises ‘Life in Trinidad’?
Tick one
A Life in the house was dull and uncomfortable, with many chores and lots of rules.
B The house was neglected and untidy, with care only given to the garden.
Check
C Though the house was modest, it was pristine and a source of pride and happy memories.
Click if correct
D The family lived in a large, elaborate house and often entertained guests.
Feedback: Who did what well?
FindRead Talk
EchoRead
ChoralRead
ReadingStrategy
Answers & Text Marks
Other...
To be a book lover, you could...
ask questions.
Reveal
Think of questions as you read and look for answers in the text.
Copyright Notice
This document has been supplied under a CLA Licence with specific terms of use. It is protected by copyright and, save as may be permitted by law, it may not be further copied, stored, re-copied electronically or otherwise shared, even for internal purposes, without the prior further permission of the Rightsholder. Extracts sourced from: Coming to England by Floella Benjamin © 2021 Schools must purchase the original text for full content.