In this text based, 5 session English planning, list poems about lost things by Roger McGough and Michael Rosen are used as models. The unit focuses on effective use of language and experimenting with simple forms, allowing pupils to compare, research and develop their own versions.

All aspects of poetry from the national curriculum in reading, spoken language and writing composition will be covered across the full set Au1-Su2.

National curriculum skills for this unit:

Spoken language:

• Build vocabulary
• Gain, maintain and monitor the interest of the listeners
• Select and use appropriate registers for effective communication

Reading comprehension:

• Use dictionaries to check the meaning of words
• Prepare poems and play scripts to read aloud and perform
• Recognise different forms of poetry
• Show understanding through intonation, tone, volume and action
• Discuss words and phrases that capture the reader’s interest and imagination
• Explain meaning of words in context
• Ask questions to improve understanding of a text

Writing composition:

• Plan writing by discussing the structure, vocab and grammar of similar writing
• Discuss and record ideas
• Compose and rehearse sentences orally
• Read aloud own writing using appropriate intonation and controlling the tone and volume so that the meaning is clear

For schools that use Pathways to Write, this unit aligns with the Au2 set 1 unit.

Poems for this unit can be found online and in:

Poetry Pie by Roger McGough

Michael Rosen’s Big Book of Bad Things by Michael Rosen