A verse novel is a narrative told through poetry, blending prose and poetic elements.

Form is the way that a text can be presented.

Free verse is poetry without strict rhyme or metre; it emphasises natural speech rhythms.

A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.

To migrate means to move from one place to another.

Developing understanding of 'Swallow's Kiss' through rich discussions

English

In 'Swallow's Kiss’ pupils explored a narrative that focuses on the refugee experience and society's response. In ’Poetry about personal experiences’ pupils reflect on these themes, alongside many others, before creating their own poems.

In 'Leaf’ pupils explored a theme that affects the wider world, that of environmental impact. In ’Swallow's Kiss’ pupils will learn about the refugee experience through an illustrated free-verse novella.’

'Swallow's Kiss': book club

a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story

a story told through poetry, blending prose and poetic elements

poetry without strict rhyme; it emphasises natural speech rhythms

Match the following keywords with their definitions.

spinning around quickly in a circular motion

lowering briefly into a liquid or substance

Match the following information, using the front cover to support.

True or False? Blessing finds the bag of wish bird feathers under a table.

Blessing helps her mother out at Uncle Miral’s cafe.

Blessing dreams of finding who the birds belong to.

Blessing meets a boy called Hani who is also missing his father.

Order the following events in the order that they occur in the text.

'Swallow's Kiss' is written in __________?

an important moment that significantly alters the course of the story

a short piece of writing expressing emotions or ideas with rhythm and language

a question that you have about a text - it does not always have to be answered

someone who converts text from one language to another

a writer who writes about someone's life story

a writer who uses verse to convey emotions

Based on their front covers, which of the following are likely to be poetry collections?

a discussion involving opposing viewpoints to persuade or inform

Which is the most suitable definition for describing a **wish**?

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Worksheet