Examining structure and language in 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can discuss the poet's choice of structure and language.
Key learning points
- 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare is a thirty-six line poem which is separated into 5 sentences.
- The poem follows a consistent pattern of rhyme in the scheme of ABCB.
- Walter de la Mare chose to create rhyming pairs that are separated by un-rhyming lines.
- Walter de la Mare uses poetic devices to have an effect on the reader.
Keywords
Rhyme - Rhyme in poetry is the similarity of sounds between the ending syllables of words.
Rhyme scheme - Rhyme scheme in poetry refers to the pattern of rhyming words or sounds at the end of each line in a poem, often represented using letters.
Enjambment - Enjambment is when a line in poetry continues onto the next line without pause or punctuation, creating a sense of flow.
Repetition - Repetition in poetry involves the deliberate use of words, phrases, sounds, or structural elements that are repeated for emphasis.
Poetic devices - Poetic devices are techniques enhancing expression, rhythm or meaning in poetry.
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that alliteration only occurs when the words are next to one another.
Words do not necessarily have to be right next to each other, but the repeated consonant sounds should occur in close proximity.
Teacher tip
Pupils would benefit with some examples of adjectives and nouns using the same consonant sounds in 'Traveller' and 'Phantom'. This could be done collaboratively, to support pupils in Task B.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these might you find in a poem?
Q2.Match the following words to their definitions.
Q3.True or False? Poems can be interpreted only one way.
Q4.Match the following adjectives to the nouns they describe in the poem, 'The Listeners'.
Q5.True or False? Poems do not have to rhyme.
Q6.Order the following events from the poem 'The Listeners' in chronological order.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which adjective would best describe the poem, 'The Listeners'?
Q2.Match the following keywords to their definition.
Q3.Which is a suitable definition of rhyming couplets?
Q4.Which of the following are examples of a slant rhyme?
Q5.What is the rhyme scheme of 'The Listeners'?
Q6.Which of the following is an example of alliteration in the poem, 'The Listeners'?
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Examining structure and language in 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Examining structure and language in 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare, 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 Listeners': reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.