Understanding how Bridges presents nature in 'Clear and Gentle Stream'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Bridges presents nature and humanity's connection to nature.
Key learning points
- Robert Bridges' poetry reflects his deep Christian faith.
- 'Clear and Gentle Stream' illustrates how Bridges was influenced by nature as well as his spirituality.
- Bridges' use of natural imagery implies that humans belong in nature and that this sense of belonging will be lasting.
- The religious connections in 'Clear and Gentle Stream' could suggest that our souls belong in nature.
Keywords
Belonging - a feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group
Tranluscent - implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond
Content - in a state of peaceful happiness
Spiritual - relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things
Idleness - the enjoyment of leisure time, rest and tranquillity
Common misconception
That idleness means laziness.
Idleness can also mean enjoying periods of rest and relaxation.
Teacher tip
It would be useful for pupils to share their ideas about the connections between religious imagery and the idea of belonging in nature so that they can conceptualise how the poem connects to the theme of belonging.
Equipment
You will 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.'A feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group' is the definition of ...
Q2.We might associate something "clear" with ideas of ...
Q3.Which of the following are synonyms of "content"?
Q4.A stream is a ...
Q5.Having an "old seat" somewhere implies that you ...
Q6.Something that permits the passage of some light through it, is something ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The idea of returning to a place suggests that you feel there.
Q2.'Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things' is the definition of .
Q3.Which image from Bridges' 'Clear and Gentle Stream' implies a deep, lifelong connection with nature?
Q4.'The enjoyment of leisure time, rest and tranquillity' is the definition of ...
Q5.The image of a "deep bell" in Bridges' 'Clear and Gentle Spring' could be a reference to imagery.
Q6.The idea that we can't properly see the edges of the stream in Bridges' 'Clear and Gentle Stream' could imply ideas of ...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Understanding how Bridges presents nature in 'Clear and Gentle Stream', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Understanding how Bridges presents nature in 'Clear and Gentle Stream', 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' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.