New
New
Year 4

Analysing 'Carnival Dance Lesson' by John Lyons and generating vocabulary

I can analyse 'Carnival Dance Lesson' by John Lyons and use the poem as inspiration to generate vocabulary for my own poem.

New
New
Year 4

Analysing 'Carnival Dance Lesson' by John Lyons and generating vocabulary

I can analyse 'Carnival Dance Lesson' by John Lyons and use the poem as inspiration to generate vocabulary for my own poem.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Reading and rereading poems leads to a richer response and a greater understanding of language within them.
  2. Analysing a poem’s language allows the reader to observe different writing styles and expose diverse language choices.
  3. Summarising the themes and tone of a poem identifies emotions and main ideas conveyed within a poem.
  4. Engaging the five senses enriches vocabulary by making writing more engaging, vivid and impactful.

Common misconception

Pupils may wish to directly replicate the language, style and vocabulary used in the poem.

The process of generating vocabulary from another poem is a source of inspiration to expand one's own vocabulary in a meaningful manner.

Keywords

  • Poem - a piece of writing that uses creative and rhythmic language to express thoughts, feelings or ideas within a specific structure or pattern

  • Language - the words, phrases and techniques used by the poet to convey meaning and create imagery within a poem

  • Vocabulary - the words we know and use to communicate with others

  • Carnival - a celebration often associated with parades, costumes and lively activities, which can be reflected in the themes of poetry

Watch videos of carnival from Trinidad, paying particular attention to the music, costumes, parades and food. Provide additional materials, props and images for discussion in groups or paired talk.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
John Lyons is famous for...
Correct answer: paintings
sculptures
Correct answer: poetry
cooking
Q2.
Where was John Lyons born?
Thailand
Turkey
Correct answer: Trinidad
Togo
Q3.
What is the name of John Lyons' poetry collection for young readers?
Dancing on Stage
Dancing in the Sun
Correct answer: Dancing in the Rain
Dancing in the Snow
Q4.
What is the main cultural event celebrated in Trinidad known for its parades, colourful costumes and lively music?
Harvest Festival
Correct answer: Carnival
Christmas
Eid
Q5.
What are the emotions evoked by carnival?
Correct answer: joy
sadness
Correct answer: freedom
anger
Q6.
True or false? Carnival often celebrates cultural diversity, bringing people together from various backgrounds.
Correct Answer: true, True

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the purpose of exclamation marks in the poem ‘Carnival Dance Lesson’?
Correct answer: to create a sense of enthusiasm and energy
to create a sense of gentleness and tranquillity
to create a sense of anger and frustration
Q2.
What type of poetic devices does John Lyons use in the poem ‘Carnival Dance Lesson’?
Correct answer: repetition
simile
personification
Correct answer: rhyme
Q3.
Which verb best fits the following sentence? Exuberant dancers __________, painting the streets with joyous hues.
drench
Correct answer: whirl
sleep
Q4.
Which pair of adjectives best fits the following sentence? The __________ revellers danced all night long at carnival.
Correct answer: rowdy, exuberant
melodic, thundering
aromatic, sweet
Q5.
Which noun phrase best fits the following sentence? The __________ danced along the streets with the troupe.
sparkling, jewelled costumes
fizzing, sweet drink
Correct answer: flamboyant, enthusiastic performer
sizzling, delicious meat
Q6.
Match the the adjectives to the noun phrase.
Correct Answer:sticky, fragrant,caramel popcorn

caramel popcorn

Correct Answer:vibrant, colourful,carnival costumes

carnival costumes

Correct Answer:energetic, melodic,calypso tunes

calypso tunes

Correct Answer:smoky, juicy,barbeque meat

barbeque meat