Exploring connections to ‘I Opened the Door’
I can make comparisons between an 'after' poem and its original influence.
Exploring connections to ‘I Opened the Door’
I can make comparisons between an 'after' poem and its original influence.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- ‘I Opened the Door’ is inspired by another poem.
- When a poem is heavily influenced by another poem, it is acknowledged with the word 'after' and the original poet's name
- The poem that inspired ‘I Opened the Door’ is called ‘A Poison Tree’, which is written by William Blake.
- We can compare and contrast poems based on many different aspects.
Keywords
'after' poem - a type of poem that is written in response to or inspired by another poem, often continuing its themes, ideas or imagery
Inspiration - the creative spark or source of ideas that motivates a poet to write
Compare - involves identifying similarities between two or more things, ideas, concepts or texts
Contrast - involves identifying differences between two or more things, ideas, concepts or texts
Common misconception
Pupils may find understanding the symbolism in both poems challenging.
Pupils may benefit from additional images to support understanding and help with representation of emotions.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2021 Otter Barry edition of ‘Stars with Flaming Tails’ written by Valerie Bloom illustrated by Ken Wilson Max for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience
the mood created in a section or whole of a text
describing and comparing something by saying that it is something else
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the creative spark or source of ideas that motivates a poet to write
identifying similarities between two or more things, ideas or texts
identifying differences between two or more things, ideas or texts