Castle Poems chosen by John Foster

Next steps: take a closer look at how different effects are created by say humour, imagery, word play and poetic language.

Ideas
1. Read 'The Castle' (pages 2-3). List the sounds from 'across the years'. Choose another old building, e.g. a coaching inn. List sounds in the same way. Ask pupils to write a poem in the same style.
2. Read 'The Ruined Castle' (page 16). Ask pupils to explain 'skeletons of flame'. List more words that describe flames. Compare literal descriptions with metaphors. Write a 'Fire' poem.
3. Discuss what happens in 'Time Slip' (pages 4-7). Ask pupils to explain the meaning of the title. Find words and phrases that show the feelings of the two boys. Ask pupils to give their reactions to the poem.
4. Compare 'My Castle' (page 12) and 'The Sandcastle' (page 14). Ask pupils to say which poem they prefer, giving examples of lines they liked and reasons for their choices.

This book is available as part of a pack of six Stage 10-11 Glow-worms books.
Find out more about the books and order.

Series:
Glow-worms

Reading Stage:
Glow-worms Stage 10-11

Book Band:
KS2 Y3 (P4) Brown