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      Performing poems written by the poet John Lyons

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can perform poems written by the poet John Lyons.

      Key learning points

      1. It is important to prepare for performing a poem by analysing the text to develop a full understanding.
      2. Performing a poem requires the performer to use their voice to make the poem interesting to listen to.
      3. Performers of poetry use facial expressions to bring the poems to life.
      4. Using the body to make the performance exciting to watch is a technique that performers of poetry use.

      Keywords

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

      • Voice - the sound produced through the mouth as speech or song

      • Facial expressions - a form of non-verbal communication communicated via the face to convey a range of emotions

      Common misconception

      Performance of poetry must be done only one way.

      Whilst poetry performance should adhere to the poem's original structure and rhythm, it is an art form that invites personal interpretation.

      Teacher tip

      Show videos of poets performing their poetry. Explicitly model to pupils how to use voice, facial expressions and body language when performing.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the main purpose of performing poetry?

      to recite it in a monotonous voice
      Correct answer: to convey emotions and enhance the poem's impact
      to read it silently

      Q2.
      Which of the following is important for an effective poetry performance?

      reading quickly to cover more poems
      using only a single tone throughout the performance
      Correct answer: using vocal variations and expressive gestures
      reading without any emotion

      Q3.
      Why is eye contact important in poetry performance?

      It's not essential in poetry performance.
      It helps in ignoring the audience.
      Correct answer: It creates a connection with the audience and it engages them.

      Q4.
      What role do body movements play in poetry performance?

      They are unnecessary and distracting.
      Correct answer: They complement words and enhance expression.
      They confuse the audience.

      Q5.
      What does vocal variation do in poetry performance?

      confuses the audience
      Correct answer: adds depth and emotion to the poem
      allows the performer to read the poem faster
      creates a monotonous sound

      Q6.
      How do expressive gestures contribute to a poetry performance?

      Correct answer: They add visual interest and complement the words of the poem.
      They take away any emotional connection.
      They limit the performer's movements.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What does the term 'mood' refer to?

      the poet's name
      Correct answer: the overall feeling or atmosphere of a poem
      the poem's rhyme scheme
      the number of lines in each verse

      Q2.
      In poetry performance, what do volume and pitch mainly contribute to?

      the length of the poem
      the poet's name
      Correct answer: the quality of delivery for the audience

      Q3.
      Why are body movements significant in poetry performance?

      They decrease audience engagement.
      Correct answer: They add visual interest for the audience and enhance a performer's expression.
      They distract the audience from the words spoken.

      Q4.
      Which of the following poems by John Lyons evokes a sense of humour and amusement?

      Granny's Sugarcake
      Happy Hummingbird Food
      Correct answer: Tadpole Comets

      Q5.
      Which of the following poems by John Lyons evokes a sense of tranquillity and peace?

      Granny's Sugarcake
      Correct answer: Happy Hummingbird Food
      Tadpole Comets

      Q6.
      When performing a poem, which of the following must be considered?

      Correct answer: body movements
      Correct answer: facial expressions
      neat handwriting
      Correct answer: volume and pitch
      colourful illustrations

      To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Performing poems written by the poet John Lyons, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...