a form of poetry that does not adhere to regular meter or rhyme patterns, allowing for greater flexibility and freedom of expression

the similarity of sounds between the ending syllables of words, creating a musical quality and pattern in a poem

the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, creating a musical and rhythmic flow in a poem

British English CC

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

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

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

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

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 are the senses that are used to generate vocabulary for a free verse poem?

True or false? John Lyons' poem 'Carnival Dance Lesson' has a repeated rhyming refrain.

What are the main themes of the poem 'Carnival Dance Lesson'?

Which pair of adjectives best fit the blanks in the following sentence? The __________, __________ costumes dazzled the rowdy crowds at carnival.

Which pair of adjectives best fit the blanks in the following sentence? __________, __________ music boomed through the streets.

Which pair of adjectives best fit the blanks in the following sentence? The smell of __________, __________ caramel popcorn permeated the air.

Rhyme creates a musical quality to the poem.

Rhyme often distracts and confuses the reader.

What effect does rhyme have in the poem ‘Carnival Dance Lesson’?

Which poetic devices does John Lyons use in the poem ‘Carnival Dance Lesson’?

Which verb best fits the following sentence? The electrifying atmosphere of carnival __________ with vibrant music, dazzling colours and joyous celebrations.

Which pair of adjectives best fits the following sentence? The __________ street revellers sang and danced to the calypso music at carnival.

Which noun phrase best fits this sentence? The __________ paraded along the crowded, noisy streets. 

Match the pair of adjectives to the noun.

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

Lesson outcome