Year 5 - English
Reading, responding to and performing 'My Heart is a Volcano'
Poetry by Valerie Bloom
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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 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 read and respond to a poem before performing it.
Key Notes
- 'My Heart is a Volcano' is split into three verses with four lines in each; each verse follows an ABCB rhyme scheme.
- Through the use of metaphors, the poem conveys the atmosphere as it follows the speaker's emotional journey.
- Understanding a poem, its language, imagery and the impression it creates will help create an impactful performance.
- Performances can be improved by considering the rhythm and flow of the poem, use of voice, gestures and body language.
Vocabulary To Learn
- imagery: the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience for the reader or listener
- atmosphere: the mood created in a section or whole of a text
- pace: the speed or rhythm at which a poem is read or performed
- gesture: a movement that helps express an idea or meaning
- fixed verse: poetry with a specific structure, rhyme and meter
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may find it challenging to attribute a feeling or emotion to a metaphor.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
'My Heart is a Volcano' is split into three verses with four lines in each; each verse follows an ABCB rhyme scheme. Through the use of metaphors, the poem conveys the atmosphere as it follows the speaker's emotional journey.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'imagery'
the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience for the reader or listener.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may find it challenging to attribute a feeling or emotion to a metaphor. Correction: Some pupils could have visuals of the imagery contained in the poem, to support when attributing the change in emotional state of the speaker from verse 1 to verse 3.
More Lessons In This Unit
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