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      Preparing to write poetry about the heat

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can prepare to write a poem about the heat.

      Key learning points

      1. A tanka is a traditional Japanese form of poetry that originated more than 1,300 years ago.
      2. Tankas consist of five lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5-7-7, totalling 31 syllables.
      3. Tankas often explore themes of nature, emotions and the passage of time.
      4. We can make specific language choices to describe the intensity of the heat.
      5. We can use vocabulary in different ways, depending on its position in a sentence, if it is a verb, adjective or noun.

      Keywords

      • Form - the way that a poem can be presented

      • Tanka - a form of Japanese poetry consisting of five lines with a specific syllable pattern (5-7-5-7-7), often expressing emotions, observations or narratives

      Common misconception

      Pupils may be unsure of some of the definitions and synonyms of words associated with the heat.

      It would be beneficial to have completed the Y4 Mrs Wordsmith vocabulary unit on 'Weather: wind and hot words' ahead of this lesson, to support children with generating vocabulary.

      Teacher tip

      It may be beneficial to print a physical copy of the poem in Task A. Encouarage children to present the poem in small groups and provide peer feedback.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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.
      What is a cinquain?

      Correct answer: a five-line poem that follows a specific structure involving syllables
      a form of poetry characterised by its repeating lines & overlapping pattern
      a type of lyrical poem that celebrates a person, object or idea

      Q2.
      What is an ode?

      a five-line poem that follows a specific structure involving syllables
      a form of poetry characterised by its repeating lines and overlapping pattern
      Correct answer: a type of lyrical poem that celebrates a person, object or idea

      Q3.
      What is a pantoum?

      a traditional form of Japanese poetry consisting of three lines
      a five-line poem that follows a specific structure involving syllables
      Correct answer: a form of poetry characterised by its repeating lines and overlapping pattern

      Q4.
      True or false? Pantoums do not rhyme.

      Correct Answer: False, false

      Q5.
      Select the lines that rhyme.

      Correct answer: The breeze whispers secrets in the air,
      A warmth that brightens dreary days,
      Correct answer: In the beauty of a world so fair,
      Sunshine breaks through the morning fog.

      Q6.
      Match each word class to its example.

      Correct Answer:verb,radiate
      Correct Answer:adjective,boiling
      Correct Answer:noun,furnace

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A tanka is a form of poetry which consists of __________ lines.

      three
      Correct answer: five
      seven

      Q2.
      Tankas originated in which country?

      Brazil
      United Kingdom
      Correct answer: Japan
      South Korea

      Q3.
      Traditionally, tankas often explore themes of ...

      scientific exploration and technology.
      political commentary or social activism.
      Correct answer: nature, emotions and the passage of time.

      Q4.
      Select the correct definition of 'sweltering'.

      Correct answer: very hot or baking
      constant or non-stop
      cool and breezy

      Q5.
      Select the correct definition of 'oppressive'.

      mild or balmy
      Correct answer: heavy, harsh or overpowering
      bright, brilliant or glowing

      Q6.
      Starting with the lowest heat, order these words from low heat to high heat.

      1 - mild
      2 - balmy
      3 - roasting
      4 - oppressive

      To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Preparing to write poetry about the heat, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...