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Year 4 - English

Exploring and performing 'A Book for a Daughter' by Joseph Coelho

Poet focus: 'Overheard in a Tower Block' by Jospeh Coelho

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read, explore and peform a selection of poems from Joseph Coelho's collection, 'Overheard in a Tower Block'. They are first introduced to the poet, before exploring the poems and getting tips from Joseph on how to perform the poems.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify a range of poetic devices and perform a poem.

Key Notes

  • Poets can use a range of poetic devices to enhance the meaning or impact of their poems.
  • Alliteration is when words that begin with the same sound are placed close together.
  • Onomtopoeia refers to words that imitate the natural sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.
  • Understanding a poem, its language and the impression it creates will help us to create an impactful performance.
  • There are many things we can do to prepare for a performance, including practising reading the poem aloud.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • repetition: the action of repeating something - doing or saying something again
  • alliteraton: the repetition of the same sound found at the start of words that come close together
  • onomatopoeia: words that imitate the natural sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to
  • atmosphere: the mood created in a section or whole of a text

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think a person is either 'good' or 'bad' at performing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Poets can use a range of poetic devices to enhance the meaning or impact of their poems. Alliteration is when words that begin with the same sound are placed close together.

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

the action of repeating something - doing or saying something again.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may think a person is either 'good' or 'bad' at performing. Correction: Explain that successful performances need practice, like any skill. By identifying the elements that contribute to a successful performance, we can then practise them.

More Lessons In This Unit

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