Learning and reciting stanzas four to six of 'The Highwayman'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can recite ‘The Highwayman’ and memorise one stanza.
Key learning points
- Poems can be learned by heart and recited.
- Understanding of the poem's meaning can be shown through intonation, tone, volume and action.
- Clear diction is essential for the audience to understand the words.
- Using a range of recital skills can enhance our performance and audience engagement.
- Eye contact is an important aspect of public speaking.
Keywords
Recite - to read aloud a text from memory in front of an audience
Projection - using our voice to speak powerfully and clearly
Diction - involves pronouncing words clearly
Body language - how we use our posture and gestures to communicate meaning and feelings
Pace - the speed at which we speak
Common misconception
Pupils may find it challenging to use all recital skills.
Each skill of using projection, diction and body language should be explicitly modelled. Modelling non-examples is useful for pupils to see and hear what works and what doesn't in performance.
Teacher tip
Having pupils work in pairs or groups to memorise a stanza of their choice may support collaborative working.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is an accurate definition of 'reciting'?
Q2.Which of these is an accurate definition of 'projecting'?
Q3.'Projecting is the same as shouting.' Is this statement true or false?
Q4.Match the presenting skills to their definitions:
involves pronouncing words clearly
how we use our posture and gestures to convey meaning
the speed at which we speak
Q5.Fill in the gap. When speaking with clear _________, we take our time to pronounce words carefully.
Q6.Fill in the gaps. Successful presenters speak at a _____,_____ pace so that everyone can hear them.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
to read aloud a text from memory in front of an audience
using our voice to speak powerfully and clearly
pronouncing words clearly
how we use posture and gestures to communicate meaning and feelings
the speed at which we speak
Q2.Match the stanzas of 'The Highwayman' with their content:
description of Tim
the Highwayman speaks to Bess
the Highwayman leaves
Q3.Fill in the gap. ___________ involves looking into the eyes of the people in the audience.
Q4.Why is eye contact important?
Q5.Fill in the gap. ____________ refers to how we use our posture and gestures to communicate feelings.
Q6.Why is strong body language important?
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Learning and reciting stanzas four to six of 'The Highwayman', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Learning and reciting stanzas four to six of 'The Highwayman', 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 'The Highwayman': narrative writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.