Preparing to write a poem about small objects
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can prepare to write a poem about a small object.
Key learning points
- Minuscule, tiny, minute and diminutive are words to describe small objects.
- The subject of a poem is what the poem is about.
- Poets must decide the tone and emotional impact of their poem before they start generating language.
- Poets should decide the subject of the poem; something that inspires poetry and will be interesting to write about.
Keywords
Minuscule - an adjective which means tiny or microscopic; like an insect so small you can barely see it
Inspiring - something or someone that is exciting and makes you feel strongly interested and enthusiastic
Synonym - a word that has the same or similar meaning to another word
Diminutive - an adjective which means unusually small; like someone so tiny, you almost don’t notice them
Common misconception
Pupils may think that any small object can be a good subject for poetry.
Teach pupils that the subject of a poem should be something that inspires poetry and will be interesting to write about. Provide children with a range of ideas for them to decide whether they are inspiring or not.
Teacher tip
The first learning cycle exposes pupils to several different poetic forms. You may wish to build on this and include well-known examples of the different types of poems.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these forms of poetry do not require the poet to follow set poetic rules?
Q2.True or false? Free verse poems are any poems that do not rely on consistent patterns of rhyme or rhythm.
Q3.True or false? Free verse poems do not tend to follow the rhythm of natural speech.
Q4.True or false? In free verse poetry, poets may still use poetic techniques such as alliteration, repetition and similes to create their desired effect.
Q5.What is the name for the poetic technique that involves a single word, or group of words, being repeated for effect?
Q6.A poet may extend their ideas before writing poetry by adding which of these?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? Reading poems by other poets will not give you ideas or make you feel interested and enthusiastic about writing your own.
Q2.Rhyming poems are common, particularly in poetry written for ...
Q3.Which of these words rhymes with the word 'chair'?
Q4.Which of these words is a synonym for 'small'?
Q5.Which of these words has the following definition: 'an adjective which means tiny or microscopic; like an insect so small you can barely see it.'
Q6.Which of these makes an object a good subject for poetry?
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Preparing to write a poem about small objects, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Preparing to write a poem about small objects, 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 big and small objects: understanding form unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.