actively seeking, forming and learning ambitious vocabulary to use in writing

refers to the emotion expressed by the poet towards the reader, enhancing the mood or atmosphere of the poem

words and phrases used to vividly convey sensory details, emotions or experiences

the use of simile and personification to paint vivid pictures for the reader

British English CC

Generating vocabulary for a weather-themed poem

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

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

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

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

What human action best fits this blank? 'The snowflakes __________ gracefully together.'

Which adjective best fits the blank in this sentence? 'The __________ orb slowly drops behind the horizon.'

Which verb best fits the blank in this sentence? 'The stars __________ down at the sleeping people below.'

Which adverb best fits the blank? 'Stars shining __________ pierce the darkness.'

Which noun best fits the blank? 'A __________ of densely packed clouds drift ominously.'

Match the first part of the simile with an appropriate ending.

What is the meaning of a ‘theme’ in poetry?

to engage the reader's imagination and senses

 to paint clear pictures in the reader's mind

to tell the reader the action that happens

Why do poets use vivid adjectives in their poetry?

because nature is the only important theme that readers should know about

to avoid an emotional connection with the reader

to explore universal themes that most or all readers can understand

Why do some poets often incorporate nature into their poetry?

John Lyons describes the sunset in one of his poems. Which simile describes a Caribbean sunset in the most appropriate way?

John Lyons describes the colour of the sky in the Caribbean **before it rains** in one of his poems. Which phrase best describes the sky?

It makes the reader think he can't be heard by his granny.

It makes the reader think he is excited to eat it.

What is the effect of the repetition 'Sugarcake! Sugarcake!' in John Lyons' poem 'Granny's Sugarcake'?

Starter Quiz

What is the meaning of a ‘theme’ in poetry?