Exploring structure and language in 'London is the Place for Me'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can develop understanding of a song by exploring the artist’s use of structure and language.
Key learning points
- ‘London is the Place for Me’ is a fixed verse song; it contains four verses each with five lines and a repeated refrain.
- The 1st and 2nd verses can be described as following the rhyme scheme of AABBA; the rhyme scheme varies in verses 3 - 5.
- ‘London is the Place for Me’ can be described as being in strophic form: it uses the same melody repeated for each verse
- Semantic mapping is a technique used to explore the rich meaning of a word or phrase.
- Impressions can be formed about a song once readers or listeners have a secure understanding of the language used.
Keywords
Form - the way that a text can be presented
Rhyme scheme - the pattern of rhyming words or sounds at the end of each line in a poem, often represented using letters to indicate the rhyme pattern (e.g., AABB, ABAB)
Semantic mapping - a visual technique used to organise and represent the relationships between concepts or ideas
Impression - initial feelings about a person, place or thing, gained from reading a text
Common misconception
Pupils may over-rely on one method for developing comprehension of new or unfamiliar words.
Explain that words can be understood in different ways (e.g. “sociable” could be understood by 'reading around the word' or 'identifying the word class'). Encourage pupils to use a range of methods where applicable.
Teacher tip
You may also wish to explore the use of hyperbole and enjambment when analysing the song lyrics.
Equipment
You need a copy of the lyrics & recording of ‘London Is the Place for Me’ by Lord Kitchener which is featured on the 2013 Honest Jon’s Records album ‘London Is The Place For Me’ for this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Lord Kitchener was born in which island nation? Trinidad and ...
Q2.Put the following historical events into chronological order.
Q3.The potential for higher earnings and improved living standards was a __________ factor for people from the Caribbean.
Q4.Which of these definitions best describes the theme of optimism?
Q5.Which of the following strategies can be used to identify themes in songs?
Q6.The British Nationality Act was established in which year?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
the way that a text can be presented
the pattern of rhyming words at the end of each line in a song
a visual technique used to represent the relationships between ideas
initial feelings about a person, place or thing, gained from reading
Q2.What is the rhyme scheme of the first verse?
Q3.What form does the song 'London is the Place for Me' have?
Q4.Match the three parts of the word "broadmindedly" to their individual definitions.
wide, extensive
having a particular mindset or way of thinking
turns the word into an adverb
Q5.Which meaning best describes the use of “broadmindedly” in the context of the song?
Q6.True or false? Describing the country as a “Mother” only conveys a positive image.
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Exploring structure and language in 'London is the Place for Me', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Exploring structure and language in 'London is the Place for Me', 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 Poetry about migration unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.