the process of producing written content to become available for an audience

visual elements such as drawings, paintings or images that accompany a text

the presentation of a poem in front of an audience, using voice, gestures and expressions

Publishing and performing a free verse poem in the style of John Lyons

English

Learning about the poet John Lyons

Reading and responding to John Lyons' poem 'Granny's Sugarcake'

Comparing John Lyons' poems ‘Happy Hummingbird Food’ and ‘Tadpole Comets’

Analysing the poem 'Carib Nightfall' by John Lyons

Performing poems written by the poet John Lyons

Generating vocabulary for a weather-themed poem

Writing a free verse poem about weather inspired by John Lyons' poems

Analysing 'Carnival Dance Lesson' by John Lyons and generating vocabulary

Writing a free verse poem inspired by John Lyons' poem 'Carnival Dance Lesson'

In "John Lyons Poetry: Reading", pupils learned about the poet John Lyons and responded and reflected on some of his poems. In "Poetry about Personal Experiences: Reading", pupils will reflect on their own experiences on a range of complex themes.

In 'Poet Focus: Joseph Coelho', pupils learned about the poet Joseph Coelho and read and analysed some of his poems. In this unit, pupils will extend their knowledge of famous poets by learning about another, John Lyons. 

In this unit, pupils learn about the poet John Lyons. They read a variety of John Lyons' poems, analysing and comparing them and choosing one poem to perform. Finally, pupils write their own free verse poems, inspired by John Lyons' poetry.

John Lyons poetry

using your voice and body movements appropriately

When performing a free verse poem, it is important to consider which of these?

The length of each line must be exactly the same.

The illustration must be placed before the poem.

There is no specific or structured way to lay out a poem for publication.

The illustration must be placed after the poem.

What is the correct way to lay out a poem?

Illustrations can enhance the understanding and emotional impact of a poem.

Illustrations can distract and confuse the reader.

Illustrations tell you the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Illustrations can be in the form of drawings, paintings and collage.

Which of the following is true of illustrations?

Poets do not have the freedom to experiment with form, style and content.

Which of the following is true of a free verse poem?

drifting and swirling gently like a ballet dancer

scorching relentlessly like a ball of gas

Match the nouns with their corresponding descriptive vocabulary.

Which verb best fits the blank? An inky blanket was __________ across the sky for bedtime.

Which of the following is found in the Caribbean's natural environment?

the reflection of city lights on the horizon

What makes Caribbean sunsets particularly stunning?

lush tropical landscapes, palm trees and vibrant flora

Which artistic elements are commonly depicted in John Lyons' illustrations to represent the Caribbean?

True or false? Reciting a poem rapidly without pauses is good in a poetry performance.

Which of the following elements is John Lyons likely to illustrate in his poems?

Match the themes to the titles of Lyons' poems.

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Publishing and performing a free verse poem in the style of John Lyons

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.