Reading, responding to and performing 'In the Heart of a Book'
I can read and respond to a poem, before performing it.
Reading, responding to and performing 'In the Heart of a Book'
I can read and respond to a poem, before performing it.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- ‘In the Heart of a Book’ is a 20 line poem written by Liz Brownlee; the poem is split into 10 two-line verses.
- The poem includes repetition through the use of anaphora.
- Anaphora can draw attention to what books can provide readers with emotionally, while maintaining the poem’s pace.
- Understanding a poem, its language, imagery & the impression it creates will help us to create an impactful performance.
Keywords
Anaphora - when a word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of multiple lines in a poem or speech
Atmosphere - the mood created in a section or whole of a text
Imagery - the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience for the reader or listener
Gesture - a movement that helps express an idea or meaning
Pace - the speed or rhythm at which a poem is read or performed
Common misconception
Some pupils may not be able to think of a text that they have an emotional connection with.
Remind pupils of texts that they have shared in class during the year or previous years. Model an example using a shared text.
To help you plan your year 5 english lesson on: Reading, responding to and performing 'In the Heart of a Book', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 english lesson on: Reading, responding to and performing 'In the Heart of a Book', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 english lessons from the Poetry about personal experiences unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2021 Otter Barry edition of ‘Being Me’ written by Liz Brownlee, Matt Goodfellow and Laura Mucha, illustrated by Victoria Jane Wheeler for this lesson.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the mood created in a section or whole of a text
the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience
a movement that helps express an idea or meaning
the speed or rhythm at which a poem is read or performed