Reading, responding to and performing ‘My Heart is a Volcano’
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can read and respond to a poem before performing it.
Key learning points
- ‘My Heart is a Volcano’ is split into three verses with four lines in each; each verse follows an ABCB rhyme scheme.
- Through the use of metaphors, the poem conveys the atmosphere as it follows the speaker's emotional journey.
- Understanding a poem, its language, imagery and the impression it creates will help create an impactful performance.
- Performances can be improved by considering the rhythm and flow of the poem, use of voice, gestures and body language.
Keywords
Imagery - the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience for the reader or listener
Atmosphere - the mood created in a section or whole of a text
Pace - the speed or rhythm at which a poem is read or performed
Gesture - a movement that helps express an idea or meaning
Fixed verse - poetry with a specific structure, rhyme and meter
Common misconception
Pupils may find it challenging to attribute a feeling or emotion to a metaphor.
Some pupils could have visuals of the imagery contained in the poem, to support when attributing the change in emotional state of the speaker from verse 1 to verse 3.
Teacher tip
Pupils may benefit from having a copy of the poem to text-mark, to support when working the poem up for performance in Task B. It may be useful to encourage one or two gestures per verse.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2021 Otter Barry edition of ‘Stars with Flaming Tails’ written by Valerie Bloom, illustrated by Ken Wilson Max, for this lesson.
Licence
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