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Year 5 - English

Exploring connections to 'I Opened the Door'

Poetry by Valerie Bloom

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils study the poetry of Valerie Bloom. They will read a selection of Valerie's poetry, practise responding to it, and they will listen to her reading her poetry too.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to make comparisons between an 'after' poem and its original influence.

Key Notes

  • 'I Opened the Door' is inspired by another poem.
  • When a poem is heavily influenced by another poem, it's acknowledged with the word 'after' and the original poet's name.
  • The poem that inspired 'I Opened the Door' is called 'A Poison Tree', which was written by William Blake.
  • We can compare and contrast poems based on many different aspects.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 'after' poem: a type of poem that is written in response to or inspired by another poem, often continuing its themes, ideas or imagery
  • inspiration: the creative spark or source of ideas that motivates a poet to write
  • compare: involves identifying similarities between two or more things, ideas, concepts or texts
  • contrast: involves identifying differences between two or more things, ideas, concepts or texts

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may find understanding the symbolism in both poems challenging.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

'I Opened the Door' is inspired by another poem. When a poem is heavily influenced by another poem, it's acknowledged with the word 'after' and the original poet's name.

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

a type of poem that is written in response to or inspired by another poem, often continuing its themes, ideas or imagery.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may find understanding the symbolism in both poems challenging. Correction: Pupils may benefit from additional images to support understanding and help with representation of emotions.

More Lessons In This Unit

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