New
New
Year 5

Reading, responding to and performing 'In the Heart of a Book'

I can read and respond to a poem, before performing it.

New
New
Year 5

Reading, responding to and performing 'In the Heart of a Book'

I can read and respond to a poem, before performing it.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. ‘In the Heart of a Book’ is a 20 line poem written by Liz Brownlee; the poem is split into 10 two-line verses.
  2. The poem includes repetition through the use of anaphora.
  3. Anaphora can draw attention to what books can provide readers with emotionally, while maintaining the poem’s pace.
  4. Understanding a poem, its language, imagery & the impression it creates will help us to create an impactful performance.

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.

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

Gestures used in poetry performance should add depth and visual interest, rather than overshadowing the spoken words of the poem.
Teacher tip

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

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.
Who is the publisher of the text, 'Being Me'?
Liz Brownlee
Correct answer: Otter Barry Books
Matt Goodfellow
Laura Mucha
Q2.
True or False? Readers can make predictions about a poem from its title.
Correct Answer: True, true
Q3.
Which definition best describes a theme?
a poetic device that makes a comparison between two things
Correct answer: a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text
the feeling or mood created in a section or whole of a text
Q4.
True or False? Poets can only write poems about one theme.
Correct Answer: False, false
Q5.
What is the 'atmosphere' of a text?
the use of language to create a mental picture
the repetition of the same sound found at the start of words
Correct answer: the mood created in a section or whole of a text
Q6.
What is a 'verse' in a poem?
Correct answer: a single line or a group of lines within a poem
the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables
the underlying message or central idea that the poet wants to convey

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.
Correct Answer:atmosphere,the mood created in a section or whole of a text

the mood created in a section or whole of a text

Correct Answer:imagery,the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience

the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience

Correct Answer:gesture,a movement that helps express an idea or meaning

a movement that helps express an idea or meaning

Correct Answer:pace,the speed or rhythm at which a poem is read or performed

the speed or rhythm at which a poem is read or performed

Q2.
Which of the following is the appropriate definition for anaphora?
the feeling of expectation or suspense about something that is going to happen
the repetition of the same sound found at the start of words that are close
Correct answer: when a word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of multiple lines in a poem
Q3.
Which of the following gestures would be appropriate to demonstrate someone who is frightened?
smiling
Correct answer: gasping
Correct answer: trembling or shaking
high-fives
Q4.
Which of the following gestures would be appropriate to demonstrate someone dreaming?
Correct answer: gazing softly into the distance
energetic movements
Correct answer: swaying or rocking gently
arms folded, disinterested
Q5.
Which of the following words would best describe the atmosphere created in the poem 'In the Heart of a Book'?
sadness and despair
boring and routine
Correct answer: imaginative and comforting
Q6.
Which of the following is true about the poem, 'In the Heart of a Book'?
Correct answer: The final 8 lines of ‘In the Heart of a Book’ include rhyme.
‘In the Heart of a Book’ is written in free verse.
‘In the Heart of a Book’ has no rhyming words.