Poetry Techniques for
7-11 Year-Olds
Optional
Lesson Plan
Use alongside our video. If you don’t want to use the video,
there is an alternative lesson plan available online!
Learning Objectives
Preparation
• Learn about a selection of poetic forms and techniques
• Download the lesson video, hosted by the BFP
(Big Friendly Poet), which complements this lesson plan
• Discuss your ideas and offer opinions and suggestions
in a group discussion
• Expand vocabulary
• Ensure you have a planning sheet / entry form for
each pupil (more can be requested or you can
photocopy them)
• Includes speaking, listening, reading and writing activities
• Pre-select groups for pupils to work in
• Plan, draft and write a poem for ‘Once Upon a Dream’
poetry competition
• All the resources you need can be found at
www.youngwriters.co.uk/competitions/once-upon-a-dream
Introduction
Explain to pupils that today they will be writing a poem for Young Writers’ ‘Once Upon a Dream’ poetry competition. Tell
them that they can write a poem about a dream they have had, or a dream for the future, or they could face their fears
and write about a bad dream. Poems can be in any style or you can choose one.
Main Teaching Activity
1. Split pupils into small groups and provide all groups with paper they can make notes on.
2. Start the video. The video is narrated by the BFP (Big Friendly Poet) and he will prompt pupils with several short activities. The first activity is for pupils to consider what they will write about. Pause the video when instructed. Ask pupils to write their ideas down and to either discuss ideas in their group or as a class.
3. The BFP will now explain what a simile is and ask pupils to complete a short activity. Pause the video when instructed and ask pupils to complete the activity as a group and share their similes.
4.The BFP will now explain what imagery is and ask pupils to complete a short activity. Pause the video when instructed and ask pupils to complete the activity as a group and share their descriptions of the imaginary houses.
5. The BFP will now explain what onomatopoeia is and ask pupils to complete a short activity. Pause the video when instructed and ask pupils to complete the activity as a group and share their sentences.
6. The BFP will now explain what personification is and ask pupils to complete a short activity. Pause the video when instructed and ask pupils to complete the activity as a group and share their personification example(s).
7. Bring the class back together for the final activity. As a class work together to finish the poem, this can be 3 or 4 lines or 3 or 4 verses depending on the age and ability of your class, as well as any time restrictions. Ask pupils to think about what poetic techniques they could use. Once written, read over the poem and see if pupils have any suggestions on how to edit the poem to make it the best it can be.
8. Once pupils have done this, they are ready to write their own poem. Pupils can write or type their poem. They need to ensure they write their name, surname and age on their work.
Website: www.youngwriters.co.uk Email: [email protected]
Plenary
Ask the children to work in pairs to read their poem to their partner. Their partner is to provide feedback; something
they liked about the poem and a suggestion on how to improve. With younger children their poem can be worked on in
small groups or with an adult’s assistance. Once feedback is received, allow pupils extra time to make any changes to
their work.
Notes
This lesson takes approximately an hour to complete, depending on the size and ability of the class. You can provide
additional time for pupils to write their poem, should you wish to. The main teaching activity can be done in class time
(approximately 40 minutes) and poems can be written as homework.
Suggestions
• Challenge more able pupils by asking them to include all of the poetic techniques in this lesson plan
• Suggest a poetic form, such as haiku or narrative poem, or ask the pupil to write in the style of a famous poet – this is
an ideal way to challenge pupils who have a flair for language and poetry writing
• For less able pupils suggest they use the word ‘Dreams’ to write an acrostic on the theme. Ask them to describe the
colours and sounds of what they are imagining. Acrostics don’t have to rhyme and the length can be adapted to the
individual’s learning needs and abilities
• Less able pupils can work in pairs or small groups and have an adult’s assistance
• To extend the activity, ask pupils to draw a picture to illustrate their poem and copy their poem onto their artwork
• To extend the activity ask pupils to research poetic forms they’d like to try
• To extend the activity ask pupils to learn their poem off by heart and perform it to the rest of the class
• This activity can also be used as a wet playtime, after school club or homework activity
Video lesson available online alongside lots of other fantastic free resources!
www.youngwriters.co.uk/competitions/once-upon-a-dream
Website: www.youngwriters.co.uk Email: [email protected]