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Year 3 - English

Reading and responding to 'Miss Flotsam' by Joseph Coelho

Poet focus: 'Werewolf Club Rules' by Joseph Coelho

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read, respond to and perform a variety of poems by Joseph Coelho from the collection 'Werewolf Club Rules'. They learn about the poet, and write their own structured poem in response to 'MORERAPS' and a letter to Joseph Coelho about his poetry.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to give a personal response to the poem and read it aloud.

Key Notes

  • Joseph Coelho's poems are easy to read and engaging, with playful rhythms and subjects that young readers can relate to.
  • Joseph Coelho often writes poems about his personal experiences.
  • The poem 'Miss Flotsam' is inspired by the teachers Coelho had when growing up and those he has met as an adult.
  • The poem depicts 'Miss Flotsam' as a kind, understanding and caring teacher, who has an inclusive approach to teaching.
  • Alliteration can be used to emphasise key themes and draw the reader's attention to important parts of a poem.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • alliteration: the repetition of the same sound found at the start of words that come close together
  • theme: a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may find some of the language in the poem difficult to understand.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Joseph Coelho's poems are easy to read and engaging, with playful rhythms and subjects that young readers can relate to. Joseph Coelho often writes poems about his personal experiences.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'alliteration'

the repetition of the same sound found at the start of words that come close together.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may find some of the language in the poem difficult to understand. Correction: Pre-teach some of the language in the poem before reading e.g. "adolescent", "gamelan", "dengue" and "dialects".

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.