Use this KS3 poetry lesson plan to make poetry relevant to learners by asking them to apply their critical skills to song lyrics…
KS3 poetry learning objectives
- Learn about the links between poetry and music
- Identify poetic techniques in song lyrics
- Understand the tone of a song by analysing key lyrics
You will need
- your choice of song lyrics
- poetry grid sheets
- internet connection
- post-it notes
KS3 poetry starter activity
As students enter the room, project the lyrics of the chorus of the song MOSH by Eminem on your whiteboard, using the heading “War Poetry”.
Ask your students to guess the title and author of the ‘poem’, prompting them with questions about the tone and subject of the poem and the language used. Then reveal the answer, if they don’t themselves.
If you’re not sure about the appropriateness of Eminem in your classroom you could use an alternative, such as I Will Wait by Mumford and Sons or Set Fire to the Rain by Adele and use the heading ‘Love Poetry’.
This activity should get your students thinking about the similarities between song lyrics and poetry.
Susie Musgrove is schools officer at the National Literacy Trust. Follow the National Literacy Trust on Twitter at @Literacy_Trust. Browse more KS3/4 poetry lesson plans.
Similar resources
- KS3 reading comprehension – Alternative facts worksheet
- Ambitious vocabulary – Intervention session for secondary English
- Macbeth essay – Free two-lesson resource pack for GCSE
- Poetry KS3 – Inspiring writing through spoken-word poems
- AQA English Literature Paper 1 – Macbeth/Christmas Carol walkthrough
