The ability to compare and contrast two pieces of poetry is absolutely crucial for GCSE English success – but students can sometimes struggle with the task, becoming overwhelmed before they are able to make meaningful connections in order to analyse the texts.
I find a ‘hands on’ approach helps keep learners focused. This plan would probably take you through two or three lessons depending on your class and the amount of time you have with them; the sequence remains the same, though.
Why teach this?
This lesson plan is one way of approaching poetry comparison in an engaging and independent way, developing reading, writing and oracy skills as you do so.
Key curriculum links
The work is suitable for GCSE AQA English Literature, or any other specification that requires students to read and respond to texts, analysing the language, form and structure used by a writer.
It is easily adaptable to Key Stages 3, 4 or 5.
Georgia Flack is a lead practitioner of English and SLE at Maltings Academy, in Witham, Essex.
