New
New
Year 4
Writing a poem about the heat
I can write and revise my poem about the heat
New
New
Year 4
Writing a poem about the heat
I can write and revise my poem about the heat
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- A tanka is a traditional Japanese form of poetry that originated more than 1,300 years ago.
- Tankas often explore themes of nature, emotions and the passage of time.
- When editing tankas, we can consider the specificity of our language choices.
- Editing word choices and phrases can help to improve the imagery and impression created by our poems.
- Reading your poem aloud will help you to revise and refine it.
Keywords
Tanka - a form of Japanese poetry consisting of five lines with a specific syllable pattern (5-7-5-7-7), often expressing emotions, observations or narratives
Editing - the process of improving writing to improve text flow and overall quality
Common misconception
Pupils may find it challenging to generate rhyming words associated with the heat.
Pupils could work in partners, or as a whole class, to create a list of rhyming words.
Tankas could be performed with a musical backing. Percussion or a steady beat could support rhythm and flow.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Which of the following words can be associated with heat?
frost-bitten
drenching
Q2.
Which of the following are examples of poetic devices?
nouns
verbs
Q3.
What is the correct syllable structure for a tanka?
5-7-5
5-6-7-8
Q4.
Match each word class to the correct example.
ignite, bake
scorching, boiling
inferno, furnace
Q5.
Which word best describes the following image?
downpour
glacial
Q6.
Which is the most suitable example of the word relentless?
when the wind and sea are out of control
like the cold air when you stick your face in the freezer
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.
a form of Japanese poetry, with a specific syllable structure
the process of improving writing to improve text flow and quality
describing a non-living thing as if it is a person
Q2.
Select the line that uses personification.
Heat warms the ground.
Heat radiates outward.
Q3.
Select the line that uses alliteration.
The sun brightens up the day.
The heat fills the air.
Q4.
True or false? Editing word choices and phrases can help to improve the imagery and impression created by our poems.
Q5.
Select the line that uses repetition.
Sunbeams warm the landscape.
The heatwave stifles.
Q6.
When performing a poem, which of the following are important to consider?
looking down at the ground
reading in one tone