Year 4 - English
Reading and responding to 'There are things that lurk in the Library' by Joseph Coelho
Poet focus: 'Overheard in a Tower Block' by Jospeh Coelho
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
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 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 with imaginative themes.
- The poem 'Things that Lurk in the Library' is about the magic and wonder of libraries, books and reading.
- The poet uses personification to create vivid imagery and a sense of the mystery and magic of libraries.
Vocabulary To Learn
- personification: a way of describing a non-living thing as if it acts or feels like a human
- figurative language: the use of metaphors, similes and personification to create imaginative and symbolic meaning
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may find it difficult to find examples of personification and explain the impact of using this.
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 with imaginative themes.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'personification'
a way of describing a non-living thing as if it acts or feels like a human.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may find it difficult to find examples of personification and explain the impact of using this. Correction: You could show the whole poem on the slides and work as a class to find different examples. Then children can work in pairs to find more examples at their tables.
More Lessons In This Unit
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