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Year 6 - English

Reading and responding to 'Tempest Avenue' by Ian McMillan

Poetry of place

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read, respond to and perform classic and contemporary poetry about a range of settings. They explore imagery and form, whilst developing personal responses and comparing poems. Finally, pupils write their own poem about a place of significance.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to read, respond to and perform the poem 'Tempest Avenue' by Ian McMillan.

Key Notes

  • 'Tempest Avenue' can be described as a free verse poem; it contains 7 verses and is written in first person perspective.
  • 'Tempest Avenue' is set in Stairfoot, Yorkshire; it is written from the perspective of a parent holding their baby.
  • The poem uses enjambment, which is when a line in poetry continues onto the next line without pause or punctuation.
  • Understanding a poem, its language and the impression it creates will help us to create an impactful performance.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • atmosphere: the mood created in a section or whole of a text
  • perspective: the point-of-view or position from which the reader reads, influencing the way events or ideas are portrayed and understood
  • enjambment: when a line in poetry continues onto the next line without pause or punctuation, creating a sense of flow
  • pace: the speed or rhythm at which a poem is read or performed
  • gesture: a movement that helps express an idea or meaning

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • When completing Task A, pupils may struggle to generate ideas.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

'Tempest Avenue' can be described as a free verse poem; it contains 7 verses and is written in first person perspective. 'Tempest Avenue' is set in Stairfoot, Yorkshire; it is written from the perspective of a parent holding their baby.

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

the mood created in a section or whole of a text.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: When completing Task A, pupils may struggle to generate ideas. Correction: Adults could provide a word bank and work with pupils to create a mind map of ideas. Examples can be included from 'Tempest Avenue' to further support.

More Lessons In This Unit

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