Year 4 - English
Introduction to 'Cosmic Disco' by Grace Nichols
Poetry inspired by weather
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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, respond to and perform four different poems associated with weather. They discuss the poetic devices used and explore structure and imagery. Finally, they write their own poems inspired by the weather.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to read the poem and can share your personal response.
Key Notes
- Poetry comes in many different forms and can be written by a variety of different people.
- Grace Nichols, the author and poet, was born in Guyana in the Caribbean and moved to live in the UK in 1977.
- 'Cosmic Disco' is linked to the science of the stars and the universe.
- Poetry can communicate a sense of awe and wonder in the natural world.
Vocabulary To Learn
- poem: a piece of writing that uses creative and rhythmic language to express thoughts, feelings or ideas
- cosmic: anything related to the vast expanse of outer space, including stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial bodies
- metaphor: a poetic device that makes a comparison between two things by stating that one thing is another, creating deeper layers of meaning
- awe: a feeling of wonder, reverence, or admiration caused by something majestic, beautiful, or extraordinary
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children can think that there is only one way to respond to a poem and you can have the right or wrong understanding of it.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Poetry comes in many different forms and can be written by a variety of different people. Grace Nichols, the author and poet, was born in Guyana in the Caribbean and moved to live in the UK in 1977.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'poem'
a piece of writing that uses creative and rhythmic language to express thoughts, feelings or ideas.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Children can think that there is only one way to respond to a poem and you can have the right or wrong understanding of it. Correction: Avoid posing questions which may lead children to the idea that there is a right or wrong answer when discussing the poem. Try to encourage open responses to the poem, celebrating each unique response from individuals.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Performing 'Cosmic Disco' by Grace Nichols Study Guide
- Poetic devices used in 'Cosmic Disco' by Grace Nichols Study Guide
- Preparing to write poetry about the heat Study Guide
- Preparing to write poetry inspired by rain Study Guide
- Publishing an original poem Study Guide
- Reading and responding to 'First Snow' by John Mole Study Guide
- Reading and responding to 'When the Wind Blows' and 'Heatwave' by John Foster Study Guide
- Reading and responding to 'Who Has Seen the Wind?' by Christina Rossetti Study Guide
- Writing a poem about the heat Study Guide
- Writing a poem about the rain Study Guide
- Writing a poem about the snow Study Guide
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