4 whole class reading lessons for KS2 based on the poem Happiness from ‘Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers’, by Daniel Thompson.

A thought-provoking poem encouraging children to consider whether buying things can truly bring you happiness.

Whole class reading, paired reading, additional opportunity for children to write their own poem about plastic pollution, Q&A with the author

Reading Skills foci: summarising the main message of the poem, looking at the impact of rhythm, rhyme and word choices on delivering the message of the poem, word’splore (exploring word choices), performing the poem, imitating the poet’s style by recreating their own poem.

37-page dyslexia-friendly PowerPoint, 3 x printable PDFs, plus a PDF copy of the poem.

Poem included.

Recommended for age 8+

Lesson 1

Firstly, learn more about Daniel Thompson or skip to the Q and A’s at the end of the Ppt to learn more about what inspires him to write poetry. Then pre-teach some key vocabulary to increase pupil engagement with the text. Then read the text together so children can discuss their responses to key questions and work together to summarise each verse.

Lesson 2

This lesson focusses on the poet’s style. Then using practical challenges, children work together to discuss how to use words and phrases effectively to reinforce key ideas.

Lesson 3

As children have previously explored the poem on a deeper level, this lesson gives children the opportunity to perform the poem, focussing on intonation, tone, volume and actions.

Lesson 4

Children can then use a similar structure to create their own on poem on plastic pollution.

For more poetry lessons explore:

Where Zebras Go Whole Class Reading

Werewolf Club Rules

To find out more about the wider collection of poems by Daniel Thompson:

https://www.danielthompsonauthor.com/