Performing 'The Tyger' by William Blake
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform the poem ‘The Tyger’ by William Blake.
Key learning points
- ‘The Tyger’ is a fixed verse poem; each verse has a rhyme scheme of AABB & a clear syllable pattern when reading aloud.
- Understanding a poem, its language and the impression it creates will help us to create an impactful performance.
- We can improve our performances by considering the rhythm and flow of the poem, our use of voice and use of gestures.
- We can improve our performances of poetry through practice.
Keywords
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
Common misconception
Pupils may overuse gestures and movement when performing poetry.
Gestures and movement used in the performance should add rather than detract from the focus, which is the poem.
Teacher tip
Pupils could mark syllable beats on a physical copy of the poem to support rhythm and flow. A metronome beat could be used to support reading.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which poet wrote 'The Tyger'?
Q2.What is the rhyme scheme of the poem 'The Tyger'?
Q3.Which of the following emotions and feelings are symbolised by the tiger in the poem?
Q4.Match the following key terms to their definitions.
anticipate with intense fear
a weapon with a pointed tip
the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts
Q5.What is the most appropriate definition of performance?
Q6.True or false? Facial expressions and body language can help to convey meaning as we perform a poem.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
the mood created in a section or whole of a text
the speed or rhythm at which a poem is read or performed
a movement that helps express an idea or meaning
Q2.Which of the following words in the poem rhyme with one another?
Q3.Match the following words from the poem to their definitions.
something eternal or not subject to death
tendons or connective tissues in the body
a high-temperature oven used for melting / forging
Q4.True or false? Our use of voice can affect the performance of the poem.
Q5.Which gesture might be used to best show "framing thy fearful symmetry"?
Q6.Which of these descriptions best describe the atmosphere of the poem?
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Performing 'The Tyger' by William Blake, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Performing 'The Tyger' by William Blake, 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 inspired by animals unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.