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Year 3 - English

Developing understanding of 'Swallow's Kiss' through rich discussions

'Swallow's Kiss': book club

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the text 'Swallow's Kiss'. They learn about verse novels as a type of narrative and discuss the key themes in the text. Finally, pupils will make connections and recommendations to enhance their reading experiences.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to discuss the main ideas of 'Swallow's Kiss'.

Key Notes

  • 'Swallow's Kiss' is written in free verse.
  • Free verse is any form of poetry that does not rely on consistent patterns of rhyme and meter.
  • It is told from the perspective of Blessing, a young girl whose mother travelled across roads and seas to seek refuge.
  • Blessing's close relationship with her family is mirrored in the members of the community that are supporting them.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • verse novel: A verse novel is a narrative told through poetry, blending prose and poetic elements.
  • form: Form is the way that a text can be presented.
  • free verse: Free verse is poetry without strict rhyme or metre; it emphasises natural speech rhythms.
  • theme: A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.
  • migration: To migrate means to move from one place to another.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think that all forms of poetry must have to rhyme.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

'Swallow's Kiss' is written in free verse. Free verse is any form of poetry that does not rely on consistent patterns of rhyme and meter.

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

A verse novel is a narrative told through poetry, blending prose and poetic elements.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may think that all forms of poetry must have to rhyme. Correction: Before the lesson, you might share examples of a range of poems in both fixed verse and free verse.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.