lesson

Listen to a poem's choices

1 · Learn

Read this original poem, pausing at each slash: Rain taps the tin roof / tap, tap, stop / a bead hangs from the edge / then drops.

Poetry can use short lines, sound and carefully chosen words. It does not always rhyme. Try reading the repeated taps lightly and leaving a pause before drops. Explain how your voice helps a listener imagine the sound.

Repeated sound: tapPause: stopFinal movement: drops
Key words and supplied examples.

2 · Worked example

I pause after stop. The silence makes the last drop stand out when I say drops.

3 · Your turn

Which word is repeated to suggest a sound? Does every line have to rhyme for this to be a poem?

Check your answer

Tap is repeated. No: poetry can use rhythm, imagery and line breaks without a regular rhyme.

4 · Apply your learning

Practise the poem aloud, then perform it to a partner. Write two original lines about another quiet sound and explain one word choice.

Adult guidance and safety

Read aloud together where needed. Discuss more than one reasonable answer to open questions. These short original texts support, but do not replace, whole books, oral discussion, a school-matched phonics programme where needed, or regular handwriting and spelling practice.

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