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      Writing a free verse poem about big objects

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can write a free verse poem about a big object.

      Key learning points

      1. There are many different forms of poetry including haikus, kenning poems and free verse.
      2. Free verse poems do not require the poet to follow poetic rules.
      3. Repetition is when a single word, or group of words, is repeated for effect.
      4. Poems can evoke a positive or negative feeling.

      Keywords

      • Free verse - a poem with no set rhyme or rhythm

      • Repetition - involves the repeated use of sounds, words, phrases or structural elements that are repeated for emphasis or for a particular effect

      • Alliteration - the repetition of the same sound found at the start of words that come close together

      • Simile - a poetic device that compares two things using "like" or "as", highlighting similarities and creating vivid imagery

      Common misconception

      Pupils may think that free verse poems must not contain any poetic techniques such as rhyming words.

      Teach pupils that although free verse poems do not follow set poetic structures and rules, they may still contain a range of poetic techniques. Allow the pupils to choose which techniques they want to include in their free verse poem.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to show your class more models of different free verse poems. Children should be given the freedom to write a poem in any way they like without the restrictions of a rigid success criteria.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these are forms of poetry?

      Correct answer: kenning poems
      Correct answer: haikus
      instructions

      Q2.
      Which of these is a form of poetry?

      three verses
      Correct answer: free verse
      freedom poems

      Q3.
      Free verse poems tend to follow the rhythm of which of these?

      a heartbeat
      rhyme
      Correct answer: natural speech

      Q4.
      A poet can extend their ideas while preparing to write a poem by adding which two of these?

      Correct answer: emotive language
      different ideas
      Correct answer: more detail

      Q5.
      True or false? In free verse poetry, poets may still use poetic techniques such as alliteration, repetition and similes to create their desired effect.

      Correct Answer: true, True

      Q6.
      What is the name of the poetic technique where a single word, or group of words, is repeated for effect?

      Correct answer: repetition
      simile
      metaphor

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which two of these are forms of poetry?

      Correct answer: sonnets
      newspaper reports
      Correct answer: haikus

      Q2.
      Which two of these are forms of poetry?

      Correct answer: kenning poems
      Correct answer: free verse
      recipes

      Q3.
      What is the name for the form of poetry which does not follow set poetic rules?

      Correct answer: free verse
      no verses
      closed verse
      open verse

      Q4.
      Fill in the blanks. Free verse poems tend to follow the rhythm of __________ __________.

      a drumbeat
      rhyming songs
      Correct answer: natural speech

      Q5.
      Which of these poetic techniques involve the repetition of the same sound found at the start of words that come close together?

      Correct answer: alliteration
      simile
      rhyme

      Q6.
      Which of these poetic techniques involves the repeated use of sounds, words, phrases or structural elements that are repeated for emphasis or for a particular effect?

      alliteration
      Correct answer: repetition
      simile

      To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Writing a free verse poem about big objects, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...