New
New
Year 5

Performing 'The Tyger' by William Blake

I can perform the poem ‘The Tyger’ by William Blake.

New
New
Year 5

Performing 'The Tyger' by William Blake

I can perform the poem ‘The Tyger’ by William Blake.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. ‘The Tyger’ is a fixed verse poem; each verse has a rhyme scheme of AABB & a clear syllable pattern when reading aloud.
  2. Understanding a poem, its language and the impression it creates will help us to create an impactful performance.
  3. We can improve our performances by considering the rhythm and flow of the poem, our use of voice and use of gestures.
  4. We can improve our performances of poetry through practice.

Common misconception

Pupils may overuse gestures and movement when performing poetry.

Gestures and movement used in the performance should add rather than detract from the focus, which is the poem.

Keywords

  • Atmosphere - the mood created in a section or whole of a text

  • Pace - the speed or rhythm at which a poem is read or performed

  • Gesture - a movement that helps express an idea or meaning

Pupils could mark syllable beats on a physical copy of the poem to support rhythm and flow. A metronome beat could be used to support reading.
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.
Which poet wrote 'The Tyger'?
Rainer Maria Rilke
Correct answer: William Blake
Emily Dickinson
Q2.
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem 'The Tyger'?
Correct answer: AABB
ABAB
ABBA
Q3.
Which of the following emotions and feelings are symbolised by the tiger in the poem?
innocence
Correct answer: fear
Correct answer: awe
tenderness
Q4.
Match the following key terms to their definitions.
Correct Answer:dread,anticipate with intense fear

anticipate with intense fear

Correct Answer:spear,a weapon with a pointed tip

a weapon with a pointed tip

Correct Answer:symmetry,the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts

the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts

Q5.
What is the most appropriate definition of performance?
the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem
the point of view or position from which the poet writes
Correct answer: the act of presenting or reciting a poem in front of an audience
Q6.
True or false? Facial expressions and body language can help to convey meaning as we perform a poem.
Correct Answer: True, true

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: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

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

a movement that helps express an idea or meaning

Q2.
Which of the following words in the poem rhyme with one another?
tears
Correct answer: art
brain
beat
Correct answer: heart
Q3.
Match the following words from the poem to their definitions.
Correct Answer:immortal,something eternal or not subject to death

something eternal or not subject to death

Correct Answer:sinews,tendons or connective tissues in the body

tendons or connective tissues in the body

Correct Answer:furnace,a high-temperature oven used for melting / forging

a high-temperature oven used for melting / forging

Q4.
True or false? Our use of voice can affect the performance of the poem.
Correct Answer: True, true
Q5.
Which gesture might be used to best show "framing thy fearful symmetry"?
Correct answer: create a square in front of your body, as if outlining a piece of artwork
mimic tears falling from your eyes with your fingers
place a thoughtful hand on your chin and then smile slightly
Q6.
Which of these descriptions best describe the atmosphere of the poem?
Correct answer: intense and powerful
Correct answer: full of awe and wonder
tranquil and calm
optimistic and cheerful

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