Starter quiz
- True or false? A poet is someone who creates poetry.
- True ✓
- False
- True or false? A poet is someone who does not use language to express themselves in a creative or artistic way.
- True
- False ✓
- True or false? A poet draws inspiration from the world around them.
- True ✓
- False
- Fill in the blank. Joseph Coelho is a __________ poet and children’s author.
- French
- British ✓
- American
-
- Fill in the blank. Coelho grew up during the 1980s and lived in a __________ with his mother and little sister.
- house
- tower block ✓
- house boat
- castle
-
- What is the name of Coelho's first published collection of poems?
- 'Overheard in a Tower Block'
- 'Werewolf Club Rules' ✓
- 'Luna Loves Library Day'
-
Exit quiz
- Which of these themes does Joseph Coelho often explore in his poetry? Select three.
- identity ✓
- family ✓
- religion
- friendship ✓
-
- In 2022, Joseph Coelho was appointed as what?
- Poet Laureate
- Children's Laureate ✓
- Book Prize Judge
-
- Which of these is the title of a poem written by Joseph Coelho?
- 'Miss Fletcher'
- 'Miss Flotsam' ✓
- 'Miss Flounder'
-
- 'Miss Flotsam' is a poem about a ...
- teacher ✓
- nurse
- child minder
-
- What class does 'Miss Flotsam' teach?
- Reception ✓
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Nursery
-
- Fill in the blank. The second verse recounts an emotional moment at the school gates when the speaker's __________ cried and Miss Flotsam comforted her.
- sister
- mother ✓
- aunt
-
Worksheet
Loading worksheet ...
Presentation
Loading presentation ...
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Joseph Coelho’s poems are easy to read and engaging, with playful rhythms and subjects that young readers can relate to.
- Joseph Coelho often writes poems about his personal experiences.
- The poem ‘Miss Flotsam’ is inspired by the teachers Coelho had when growing up and those he has met as an adult.
- The poem depicts ‘Miss Flotsam’ as a kind, understanding and caring teacher, who has an inclusive approach to teaching.
- Alliteration can be used to emphasise key themes and draw the reader’s attention to important parts of a poem.
Common misconception
Pupils may find some of the language in the poem difficult to understand.
Pre-teach some of the language in the poem before reading e.g. "adolescent", "gamelan", "dengue" and "dialects".
Keywords
Alliteration - the repetition of the same sound found at the start of words that come close together
Theme - a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text
+