The Minotaur, performance poetry and book making

This one week KS2 English unit has a focus on performance and art (instead of writing). Over five sessions, children learn about intonation and perform two poems expressively. Both poems retell famous Greek myths (‘The Minotaur’ and ‘Icarus’). Children also present lines from a poem through art and book making. A highly enjoyable unit!

Here is a brief overview of each session. Detailed plans and all resources are included.

Session 1 Watch and evaluate
• I can say which poetry performance I enjoyed the most
• I can evaluate a poetry performance
Open questions
You are the judge!
Convince another

Session 2 Performing poetry
• I can show understanding through tone, volume and action
Ping pong!
What does Michael Rosen have to say about performance poetry?
Explore the model
Perform – small groups
Peer assessment
Perform – whole class

Session 3 Applying our new skills and knowledge to a new poem
• I can show understanding through tone, volume and action (revisit)
• I can prepare a poem to read aloud and to perform
“Rock… paper… anything!”
Let’s perform
Introducing a new poem
Can we use our new knowledge and skills for a different poem?
Perform – whole class

Session 4 Presenting a poem through book making and art (part 1)
• I can discuss words and phrases that capture the reader’s interest and imagination
Performance poetry!
Windows and words
How will we show the meaning of each line through pictures?

Session 5 Presenting a poem through book making and art (part 2)
• I can discuss words and phrases that capture the reader’s interest and imagination
Warm up: Ping-pong
Activity 1: Capturing a poem in pictures