Year 4 - English
Reading and responding to 'First Snow' by John Mole
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 give a personal response to the poem and give some evidence to justify your ideas.
Key Notes
- 'First Snow' describes a changed landscape as a narrator explores their surroundings.
- Rhetorical questions are included in each verse.
- 'First Snow' uses the rhyme scheme: ABBA.
- John Mole uses imagery to create a picture or impression of the scene in the reader or listener's mind.
Vocabulary To Learn
- rhetorical question: a question asked that does not expect an answer, but rather makes a point or creates emphasis
- rhyme scheme: the pattern of rhyming words or sounds at the end of each line in a poem, often represented using letters to indicate the rhyme pattern (e.g., AABB, ABAB)
- imagery: the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience for the reader or listener
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may find it challenging to identify different poetic techniques or examples of figurative language.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
'First Snow' describes a changed landscape as a narrator explores their surroundings. Rhetorical questions are included in each verse.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'rhetorical question'
a question asked that does not expect an answer, but rather makes a point or creates emphasis.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may find it challenging to identify different poetic techniques or examples of figurative language. Correction: Pupils could text mark a physical copy of the poem with their thoughts and ideas. Highlighters could be used to mark rhetorical questions.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Introduction to 'Cosmic Disco' by Grace Nichols Study Guide
- 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 '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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