New
New
Year 4

Writing a free verse poem inspired by John Lyons' poem 'Carnival Dance Lesson'

I can write a free verse poem inspired by John Lyons' poem 'Carnival Dance Lesson'.

New
New
Year 4

Writing a free verse poem inspired by John Lyons' poem 'Carnival Dance Lesson'

I can write a free verse poem inspired by John Lyons' poem 'Carnival Dance Lesson'.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. ‘Free verse’ refers to a type of poetry that doesn’t follow a specific rhyme scheme or structure.
  2. The themes and tone of a poem can be inferred from analysing the structure and language of the poem.
  3. Descriptive vocabulary using the five senses enables the poet to paint a vivid picture for the reader.
  4. Writing a free verse poem relies on the poet’s creativity rather than following rules of traditional poems.
  5. Both rhyme and rhythm contribute to the overall musical quality of a poem by emphasising certain words or emotions.

Common misconception

The focus should be on finding rhyming words.

Poets should aim for natural and purposeful rhymes that complement the poem's intent rather than forcing words to fit a specific pattern.

Keywords

  • Free verse - a form of poetry that does not adhere to regular meter or rhyme patterns, allowing for greater flexibility and freedom of expression

  • Rhyme - the similarity of sounds between the ending syllables of words, creating a musical quality and pattern in a poem

  • Rhythm - the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, creating a musical and rhythmic flow in a poem

Find videos of carnivals that showcase the extravagance of parades, costumes and music, pausing at various points to discuss how each of the five senses of sight, sound, taste, touch and smell are affected.
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.
What effect does rhyme have in the poem ‘Carnival Dance Lesson’?
Correct answer: Rhyme creates a musical quality to the poem.
Rhyme creates a poem shorter in length.
Rhyme often distracts and confuses the reader.
Rhyme makes the pace of a poem slower.
Q2.
Which poetic devices does John Lyons use in the poem ‘Carnival Dance Lesson’?
Correct answer: rhyme
simile
Correct answer: refrain
personification
Q3.
Which verb best fits the following sentence? The electrifying atmosphere of carnival __________ with vibrant music, dazzling colours and joyous celebrations.
drenched
Correct answer: pulsated
whispered
scolded
Q4.
Which pair of adjectives best fits the following sentence? The __________ street revellers sang and danced to the calypso music at carnival.
Correct answer: enthusiastic, celebratory
melodic, booming
cold, refreshing
Q5.
Which noun phrase best fits this sentence? The __________ paraded along the crowded, noisy streets.
sizzling, juicy meat
feathered, jewelled masks
Correct answer: well-adorned, glamourous performer
floral, colourful decorations
Q6.
Match the pair of adjectives to the noun.
Correct Answer:joyous, rowdy,atmosphere

atmosphere

Correct Answer:bright, metallic hues,masks

masks

Correct Answer:calypso, energetic,steel pans

steel pans

6 Questions

Q1.
What are the senses that are used to generate vocabulary for a free verse poem?
sight, sound, smell, taste and hunger
sight, balance, smell, taste and hunger
Correct answer: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch
balance, sound, smell, taste and touch
Q2.
True or false? John Lyons' poem 'Carnival Dance Lesson' has a repeated rhyming refrain.
Correct Answer: true, True
Q3.
What are the main themes of the poem 'Carnival Dance Lesson'?
Correct answer: dancing
animals
Correct answer: music
Correct answer: carnival
sky
Q4.
Which pair of adjectives best fit the blanks in the following sentence? The __________, __________ costumes dazzled the rowdy crowds at carnival.
ferocious, wild
Correct answer: vibrant, colourful
torrential, heavy
gentle, soft
Q5.
Which pair of adjectives best fit the blanks in the following sentence? __________, __________ music boomed through the streets.
Sparkling, sequined
Fizzy, sweet
Delicious, juicy
Correct answer: Energetic, calypso
Q6.
Which pair of adjectives best fit the blanks in the following sentence? The smell of __________, __________ caramel popcorn permeated the air.
Correct answer: sticky, sweet
sizzling, tender
cold, refreshing
juicy, tropical