In this features of poetry KS2 lesson you’ll cover alliteration, similes, and personification – all with a dash of extra wizardry.

The lesson focuses on an original verse from Pie Corbett and the sequence of sessions builds towards students writing their own magical poem.

In Pie’s poem (included in the download) there is a distinct pattern that involves using basic poetry techniques in a playful manner.

• The first verse is a list of animals, using alliteration.
• The second verse is a list of things we can see, using personification.
• The third verse is a list of things found in nature, using ‘like’ similes.
• The fourth verse is a list of things, using ‘as’ similes.
• The final verse explains what the writer did once the magic dust had settled.

You could complete a number of short-burst pieces of writing across a week to practise these skills and prepare for the final challenge.

Basic structure

The basic approach for each short-burst piece in this sequence is the same, and goes like this:

• Read and discuss the model
• Identify the skill or pattern
• Create a massive class brainstorm of possibilities
• Do a class version together
• Ask children to write their own version independently

Features of poetry KS2

Inspire KS2 pupils to be creative and express themselves with this exclusive collection of Pie Corbett poetry resources.

Pie Corbett’s collection, Catalysts, has over 130 model poems. Browse more ideas and resources for teaching KS2 poems.

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