Resource pack containing PPT and PDF files
KS2
Years 3-6
In this fully-resourced teaching sequence, Joseph Coelho opens the door to poetry and shows KS2 pupils how ideas sparked by poetry prompts can become unforgettable performances.
Based around an episode of the Author in Your Classroom podcast, this resource builds understanding of what makes a poem a poem. Children read, listen, write and edit with the Children’s Laureate as their guide. Through Coelho’s expert insights, pupils gain practical strategies they can use straight away.
Resource pack contents
- PowerPoint slides
- Poem: This Bear
- Poetry Toolbox posters
- Worksheets 1 and 2
- Planning Sheet 1
- Working wall images and quotes
Teaching overview
Begin with Coelho’s own writing journey and his belief that poetry belongs to everyone. Pupils listen to him perform This Bear, share their responses and consider how performance shapes meaning. They experiment with their own performance choices, create notes and read aloud to the class.
With the poem alive in their minds, pupils move into the poetry toolbox. They spot figurative language and key devices, annotate the text and discuss how Coelho’s choices create impact. Craft becomes clear, practical and within reach.
Next, ideas take centre stage through poetry prompts.
Pupils watch video poetry prompts, gather words, images and phrases, and record their thinking on planning sheets. Using these ideas, they begin drafting with confidence and intent.
From there, attention turns to refinement. Pupils add layers, sharpen vocabulary and select the tools that achieve the effect they want. They see how editing helps a poem grow.
The sequence ends with publication and performance. Pupils share their work, celebrate one another and leave knowing they are poets.
How to listen
Search for Author In Your Classroom wherever you get your podcasts. A free resources pack is available with every episode.
Subscribe to hear more brilliant children’s authors share insider tips that help pupils write with confidence, purpose and flair.
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