Reading and responding to 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can interpret the poem and answer questions about it.
Key learning points
- Walter de la Mare uses a range of poetic devices to create atmosphere in "The Listeners"
- Readers can interpret the poem in many different ways.
- Reading between the lines to search for clues can help to infer meaning.
Keywords
Inference - Inference means to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions.
Interpretation - Interpretation refers to the process of understanding and assigning meaning to a poem, considering its language, imagery, and themes.
Imagery - Imagery involves the use of vivid and sensory language to create vivid mental pictures, enhancing the emotional impact of a poem.
Common misconception
Many readers might interpret the poem literally.
The listeners are non-human objects, described as phantoms by Walter de la Mare.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to provide their own interpretations of the sections of the poem to deepen understanding of the narrative. This will also allow them to understand that interpretation is unique and there is no single 'correct' answer.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which country was the poet Walter de la Mare from?
Q2.Select the examples of antiquated vocabulary found in 'The Listeners' by Walter de La Mere.
Q3.Walter de la Mare mentions a 'stirrup' in his poem. Select the correct definition of this word.
Q4.Understanding the vocabulary used in a poem can support your overall comprehension of the poem.
Q5.Select the strategies which could support reading a poem aloud.
Q6.In Walter de la Mare's poem 'The Listeners', what do the listeners do when the visitor arrives?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword with the correct definition.
means to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions
refers to the process of understanding and assigning meaning
the use of vivid language to create clear mental pictures
Q2.There is only ever one way to interpret a poem.
Q3.Which of the following are correct interpretations of 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare?
Q4.Match the description to the characters within the poem.
“...stood perplexed and still”
“...cropping the dark turf”
“...dwelt in the lone house”
Q5.What kind of atmosphere does Walter de la Mare create using vocabulary within 'The Listeners'?
Q6.What are the key unanswered question in 'The Listeners'?
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Reading and responding to '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: Reading and responding to '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.