A verse novel is a narrative told through poetry, blending prose and poetic elements.

Form is the way that a text can be presented.

Fixed verse is poetry with a specific structure, rhyme, and metre.

Free verse is poetry without strict rhyme or metre; it emphasises natural speech rhythms.

A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.

Developing understanding of 'Cloud Busting' through rich discussions

English

In 'Wonder: book club’, pupils read a text that discussed themes of acceptance and friendship. In ’Cloud Busting: book club’ pupils will read and explore a verse novel that discusses similar themes and also presents different character's perspectives of an event. 

In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the verse novel, 'Cloud Busting'. They will identify the features of verse novels and the range of poetic forms used by the author. Finally, pupils will discuss the characters in the text and develop a personal response.

'Cloud Busting': book club

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

a narrative told through poetry, blending prose and poetic elements

a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story

Match the following keywords to their definitions.

Which of the following are common features found in a verse novel?

Which of the following are fixed verse forms of poetry?

Which of the following are themes that can be identified in 'Cloud Busting'?

How many syllables are contained in a traditional haiku?

Based on their titles, which of the following are likely to be poetry collections?

the repetition of initial consonant sounds occurring in neighbouring words.

something that compares two things using 'like' or 'as'.

a group of lines within a poem that form a distinct unit.

a feeling of deep satisfaction, self-worth or accomplishment

empathy and concern for others' suffering

the overwhelming sense of wonder, admiration

What is a suitable definition of the word **compassion**?

Sofia's face lit up with happiness as she received the scholarship news.

Sam experienced a tinge of envy seeing her best friend in the lead role.

Izzy's eyes gleamed with desire at the prized item during the auction.

Andeep felt a nervous flutter as he awaited the outcome of the crucial interview

Which of the following descriptions shows the emotion of **jealousy**?

Figurative language includes the use of ...

Which of the following are **forms** of poetry?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz