Lesson Plan: Reading Poetry for Interest and Enjoyment

Grade: Fourth Level (Scottish Curriculum)

Desired Outcome: I can select and read for interest and enjoyment a range of more detailed texts containing complex language, including imaginative accounts, both prose and poetry, which use familiar and unfamiliar language and may have had some adaptation.

Focus: Poetry

Duration: 1 hour

Resources: - A variety of poetry books or printed poems - Whiteboard or flipchart - Markers - Worksheets with selected poems (optional)

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they enjoy reading poetry and why. 2. Discuss the characteristics of poetry, such as rhythm, rhyme, and figurative language. 3. Explain that today’s lesson will focus on reading poetry for interest and enjoyment. 4. Share the desired outcome with the students and explain that they will be exploring different types of poetry.

Main Activities (40 minutes):

Activity 1: Exploring Different Types of Poetry (15 minutes) 1. Display a variety of poetry books or printed poems on the whiteboard or flipchart. 2. Ask students to choose a poem that interests them and give them a few minutes to read it silently. 3. After reading, ask students to share their chosen poems with the class and briefly explain why they found them interesting. 4. Discuss the different types of poetry chosen by the students, such as haiku, sonnet, free verse, etc. 5. Highlight the importance of selecting poems that resonate with their personal interests.

Activity 2: Analyzing Poetic Devices (15 minutes) 1. Select a poem with complex language and poetic devices, such as metaphors, similes, or personification. 2. Read the poem aloud to the class, emphasizing the use of these devices. 3. Discuss the meaning and impact of the poetic devices used in the poem. 4. Ask students to identify and explain any other poetic devices they notice in the poem. 5. Encourage students to share their interpretations of the poem and how the poetic devices contribute to their understanding.

Activity 3: Reading and Responding to Poetry (10 minutes) 1. Provide each student with a worksheet containing a selected poem or distribute printed copies of the poem. 2. Instruct students to read the poem silently and then answer the provided questions or prompts. 3. Encourage students to express their personal responses to the poem, including their thoughts, feelings, and interpretations. 4. Allow students to share their responses with a partner or in small groups. 5. Conclude the activity by inviting a few students to share their responses with the whole class.

Conclusion (10 minutes): 1. Recap the main points discussed during the lesson, including the different types of poetry and the use of poetic devices. 2. Remind students of the desired outcome: to select and read for interest and enjoyment a range of more detailed texts containing complex language, including imaginative accounts, both prose and poetry. 3. Encourage students to continue exploring poetry in their free time and to share any interesting poems they come across. 4. Conclude the lesson by expressing the importance of reading poetry for personal growth and enjoyment.

Note: This lesson plan can be adapted to suit the specific needs and preferences of the students and the available resources.