Exploring themes of belonging and hope in 'Forest' & 'The Colours of My Dreams'
I can read and reflect on poetry about belonging and hope.
Exploring themes of belonging and hope in 'Forest' & 'The Colours of My Dreams'
I can read and reflect on poetry about belonging and hope.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 'The Forest' and 'The Colours of My Dreams' both have themes of belonging and hope.
- ‘Forest’ is a winter poem which focuses on themes of hope and belonging for a group of travellers making a journey.
- The poem ‘The Colours of My Dreams’ includes vivid imagery linked to the five senses.
- Poetry is open to interpretation; it does not always offer answers.
Keywords
Theme - a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text
Imagery - the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience for the reader or listener
Belonging - feeling a part of something, whether it's the natural world or a shared human experience
Hope - a sense of optimism or expectation for something positive in the future
Common misconception
Pupils may find it more challenging to identify themes of hope and belonging in 'The Colours of My Dreams' due to its more abstract imagery.
Explore how dreams are often seen as symbols of hope. Belonging can link to human experiences and emotional connections.
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.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience
feeling a part of something
a sense of optimism for something positive in the future