Generating vocabulary for the opening of 'Macbeth'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can generate vocabulary that precisely describes a setting, using most of the senses.
Key learning points
- Writing is most successful when it is planned.
- Vocabulary can be generated to precisely set the atmosphere for a scene.
- Expanded noun phrases can be used to describe a noun vividly.
- Expanded noun phrases can be stretched with 'that' or 'with' to add further detail to a description.
- Describing what can be seen, heard, felt and smelt helps readers visualise the scene.
Keywords
Adjective - describes a noun
Noun - a naming word for people, places or things
Setting - where the narrative takes place
Senses - the physical abilities of sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste
Common misconception
Pupils may describe the setting solely based on what can be seen.
Teach pupils to use more than just one of their senses to create a more detailed description. Provide additional support, for example playing eerie sounds of the wind howling for them to hear or bringing in a gnarled piece of wood for them to feel.
Teacher tip
You could add additional images of a heath or of the setting for the opening of the play.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How could you describe the opening scene of Macbeth?
Q2.Which of the following are features of a play script?
Q3.Select the correct definition of a heath.
Q4.What are the witches doing as the play begins?
Q5.Where and when do the witches plan to meet again?
Q6.Match the 'Early Modern English' quotes from the play to the modern definitions.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each keyword to its definition.
Q2.Which of the following are senses?
Q3.Put these descriptions of a heath in order from most positive to most negative.
Q4.Match each adjective to the correct definition.
Q5.Select the correct definition of putrid.
Q6.Fill the gap in the following sentence: 'Little wildlife could survive in the __________, weathered terrain.'
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Generating vocabulary for the opening of 'Macbeth', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Generating vocabulary for the opening of 'Macbeth', 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 Shakespeare's 'Macbeth': narrative and soliloquy writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.