Key Stage 3

In this lesson, we will learn about the poem 'the sonnet-ballad' by black American poet Gwendolyn Brooks. We will listen to the poem and think about our first impressions.

'the sonnet-ballad'

In this lesson, we will find out more about the life of Gwendolyn Brooks and consider how her life affected her writing.

Gwendolyn Brooks

In this lesson, we will investigate Brook's use of language in the poem 'the sonnet-ballad'. We will need to figure out why Brooks used the words and phrases she did. What effect was she hoping to have on us as readers? We will have lots of opportunities to think about our own thoughts and opinions.

Language in 'the sonnet-ballad'

In this lesson, we will explore the structure of the poem 'the sonnet-ballad'. Can we figure out how the poem has been put together? We will look at the punctuation Brooks has used in the poem and, most importantly, we will think about why Brooks has made those decisions.

Structure in 'the sonnet-ballad'

In this lesson, we will conclude our study of 'the sonnet-ballad'. We will bring everything together and create some excellent pieces of writing which demonstrate your understanding of the poem.

The sonnet through time: 'The sonnet-ballad', Gwendolyn Brooks

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Lessons (5)

'the sonnet-ballad'

Gwendolyn Brooks

Language in 'the sonnet-ballad'

Structure in 'the sonnet-ballad'

Writing about 'the sonnet-ballad'