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Year 4

Performing poems written by the poet John Lyons

I can perform poems written by the poet John Lyons.

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New
New
Year 4

Performing poems written by the poet John Lyons

I can perform poems written by the poet John Lyons.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. It is important to prepare for performing a poem by analysing the text to develop a full understanding.
  2. Performing a poem requires the performer to use their voice to make the poem interesting to listen to.
  3. Performers of poetry use facial expressions to bring the poems to life.
  4. Using the body to make the performance exciting to watch is a technique that performers of poetry use.

Common misconception

Performance of poetry must be done only one way.

Whilst poetry performance should adhere to the poem's original structure and rhythm, it is an art form that invites personal interpretation.

Keywords

  • Tone - refers to the emotion expressed by the poet towards the reader, enhancing the mood or atmosphere of the poem

  • Voice - the sound produced through the mouth as speech or song

  • Facial expressions - a form of non-verbal communication communicated via the face to convey a range of emotions

Show videos of poets performing their poetry. Explicitly model to pupils how to use voice, facial expressions and body language when performing.
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).

Video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the main purpose of performing poetry?
to recite it in a monotonous voice
Correct answer: to convey emotions and enhance the poem's impact
to read it silently
Q2.
Which of the following is important for an effective poetry performance?
reading quickly to cover more poems
using only a single tone throughout the performance
Correct answer: using vocal variations and expressive gestures
reading without any emotion
Q3.
Why is eye contact important in poetry performance?
It's not essential in poetry performance.
It helps in ignoring the audience.
Correct answer: It creates a connection with the audience and it engages them.
Q4.
What role do body movements play in poetry performance?
They are unnecessary and distracting.
Correct answer: They complement words and enhance expression.
They confuse the audience.
Q5.
What does vocal variation do in poetry performance?
confuses the audience
Correct answer: adds depth and emotion to the poem
allows the performer to read the poem faster
creates a monotonous sound
Q6.
How do expressive gestures contribute to a poetry performance?
Correct answer: They add visual interest and complement the words of the poem.
They take away any emotional connection.
They limit the performer's movements.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does the term 'mood' refer to?
the poet's name
Correct answer: the overall feeling or atmosphere of a poem
the poem's rhyme scheme
the number of lines in each verse
Q2.
In poetry performance, what do volume and pitch mainly contribute to?
the length of the poem
the poet's name
Correct answer: the quality of delivery for the audience
Q3.
Why are body movements significant in poetry performance?
They decrease audience engagement.
Correct answer: They add visual interest for the audience and enhance a performer's expression.
They distract the audience from the words spoken.
Q4.
Which of the following poems by John Lyons evokes a sense of humour and amusement?
Granny's Sugarcake
Happy Hummingbird Food
Correct answer: Tadpole Comets
Q5.
Which of the following poems by John Lyons evokes a sense of tranquillity and peace?
Granny's Sugarcake
Correct answer: Happy Hummingbird Food
Tadpole Comets
Q6.
When performing a poem, which of the following must be considered?
Correct answer: body movements
Correct answer: facial expressions
neat handwriting
Correct answer: volume and pitch
colourful illustrations