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Year 5 - English

Reading and performing 'The Snow Leopard' by Philip Gross

Poetry inspired by animals

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read, respond to and perform classic and contemporary poetry about animals by a range of different poets. They explore form, structure and language, whilst developing personal responses. Finally, pupils use a range of strategies to support learning poetry by heart.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to read a poem aloud with confidence and expression.

Key Notes

  • The poem describes the snow leopard as an elusive and majestic animal that lives in remote regions.
  • The poem can be described as a fixed verse poem; it consists of thirteen two-line verses and two single line verses.
  • The poem uses enjambment to affect the pacing of the poem.
  • Imagery is used in the poem to convey the sights and sensations of the encounter between the snow leopard and the tahr.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • enjambment: when a line in poetry continues onto the next line without pause or punctuation, creating a sense of flow
  • alliteration: the repetition of the same sound found at the start of words that come close together
  • interpretation: the process of understanding and assigning meaning to a poem

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may expect alliteration to be when words are placed next to one another.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The poem describes the snow leopard as an elusive and majestic animal that lives in remote regions. The poem can be described as a fixed verse poem; it consists of thirteen two-line verses and two single line verses.

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

when a line in poetry continues onto the next line without pause or punctuation, creating a sense of flow.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may expect alliteration to be when words are placed next to one another. Correction: Alliteration also includes words that are placed close together. Pupils could text mark a copy of the poem to identify cases where the poetic device is used in the poem.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 5 English guide library.