Comparing Chingonyi’s ‘Kumukanda’ to other Edexcel 'Belonging' poems
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain explore how 'Kumukanda' can be compared thematically to a range of poems from the anthology.
Key learning points
- 'Kumukanda' and 'Jamaican British' both explore the struggle in finding belonging when the speaker is of dual heritage.
- 'Kumukanda' and 'The Émigrée' both use the power of memory to create a sense of belonging.
- 'Kumukanda' and 'The Émigrée' both explore permanent severance whereas 'Jamaican British' explores a partial separation.
- 'Kumukanda' and 'I Remember, I Remember' explore grief and sadness through idealised memories.
- 'Kumukanda' and 'I Remember, I Remember' mourn the loss of childhood innocence.
Keywords
Inner conflict - a struggle within oneself between opposing desires, beliefs or emotions
Dual identity - simultaneously identifying with two different cultural backgrounds or traditions
Grief - deep sorrow caused by the loss of someone or something important
Diaspora - people who have been dispersed from their homeland, maintaining cultural connections to their origins
Mourn - to express grief or feel sorrow over a loss or death
Common misconception
'Kumukanda' can only be compared to other anthology poems about cultural identity (e.g. 'Jamaican British' and 'The Émigrée'.
Although poems centred around cultural identity and inner conflict are most obvious choices to compare, you could compare 'Kumukanda' with another poem that focuses on grief and loss (for example 'I Remember, I Remember').
Teacher tip
For an extra challenge task (or a homework task), encourage students to think about other poems that could be comapared to 'Kumukanda'. Options include: 'Clear and Gentle Stream', 'Captain Cook' or 'Mild the Mist Upon the Hill'.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'Kumukanda' by Kayo Chingonyi. You will also need access to a copy of the Edexcel Belonging anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a thematic connection between two poems?
Q2.What is cultural identity?
Q3.What is a 'refrain'?
Q4.Which of these describes the poem 'I Remember, I Remember'?
Q5.Which of these describes the poem 'Jamaican British'?
Q6.Which of these best describes the poem 'The Émigrée'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'The speaker reflects on whether an alternate version of himself who had never left the homeland would recognise or accept him now.' Which poem is being described here?
Q2.Which of the following poems could be compared to 'Kumukanda' to explore themes of cultural identity and separation?
Q3.What is diaspora?
Q4.How can having a dual identity link to inner conflict?
Q5.How is the verb 'mourning' linked to the idea of 'grief'?
Q6.How do 'Kumukanda' and 'I Remember, I Remember' both explore ideas of loss and grief?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Comparing Chingonyi’s ‘Kumukanda’ to other Edexcel 'Belonging' poems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Comparing Chingonyi’s ‘Kumukanda’ to other Edexcel 'Belonging' poems, 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 4 English lessons from the Belonging poetry continued unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.