Writing and developing a response to an unseen poem
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write and then build on a response to an unseen poem.
Key learning points
- When approaching an unseen poem, you might ask questions about the voice, perspective, structure and imagery.
- In order to build on that initial response, you might use discussions in order to build on your ideas.
- Dunmore's 'Next Door' may be interpreted as the speaker being judgemental of their neighbours.
- On the other hand, it may be interpreted as an exploration of how we are all reflections of each other.
Keywords
Ambiguous - open to or having several possible meanings or interpretations
Reflection - casting back a light or heat, mirroring or giving back or showing an image
Merge - combine or cause to combine to form a single entity
Perspective - the position from which something is viewed
Judgemental - to express a bad opinion of someone's behaviour, often because you think you are better than them
Common misconception
Analysing a text is an individual exercise.
Having discussions around a text can help us build on our ideas and reconsider different ways of interpreting the text.
Teacher tip
It would be useful for pupils to share their discussions with the rest of the class so that there is a large pool of ideas to consider when building on their response.
Equipment
You will need a copy of Helen Dunmore’s ‘Next Door’ which is available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
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