Writing a free verse poem about weather inspired by John Lyons' poems
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write a free verse poem about the weather inspired by John Lyons' poems.
Key learning points
- 'Free verse’ refers to a type of poetry that doesn’t follow a specific rhyme scheme or structure.
- The themes and tone of a poem can be inferred from the structure and language of the poem.
- Generating vocabulary and figurative language using the senses enables the poet to paint a vivid picture for the reader.
- Writing a free verse poem relies on the poet’s creativity rather than following rules of traditional poems.
Keywords
Tone - refers to the emotion expressed by the poet towards the reader, enhancing the mood or atmosphere of the poem
Descriptive vocabulary - words and phrases used to vividly convey sensory details, emotions or experiences
Figurative language - the use of simile and personification to paint vivid pictures for the reader
Common misconception
Free verse allows for entirely random writing without any consideration for form or craft.
Successful free verse poetry involves deliberate choices regarding line breaks, rhythms and imagery to create a meaningful poem.
Teacher tip
Analyse and compare free verse poems by different poets. Pupils practise in pairs on mini-whiteboards when writing their free verse poems.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which noun phrase best describes a hot Caribbean sun?
Q2.Which phrase best describes a heavy downpour?
Q3.Which phrase best describes a strong wind?
Q4.Which phrase best describes the stars that could fill a night sky?
Q5.Match the elements in the natural world with their corresponding descriptive vocabulary.
dotted across the sky like diamonds
dropping down beyond the horizon
densely packed behind the row of houses
heavy and warm
Q6.Match the animals in John Lyons' poems to their corresponding descriptive vocabulary.
sipping sweet nectar from flowers in bloom
huddled in a pond watching candleflies
playing high octave tunes
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are typically found in John Lyons' poems?
Q2.Which of the following are typical aspects of a free verse poem?
Q3.True or false? There is always repetition in free verse poems.
Q4.Which adjective best fits the blank in the following sentence? __________ stars were dotted across the sky like diamonds.
Q5.Which verb best fits the blank in the following sentence? The sun was __________ like a hot ball of gas.
Q6.Which noun phrase best fits the blank in the following sentence? The __________ drifted gracefully like dancers.
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Writing a free verse poem about weather inspired by John Lyons' poems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Writing a free verse poem about weather inspired by John Lyons' poems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the John Lyons poetry unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.