Mother's Day Kenning Poems

Year 4–6 English – Writing and Presenting

Name:

Date:

📖 What is a Kenning Poem?

A kenning poem is a special type of poem made up of two-word phrases that describe something in a creative, imaginative way. Each phrase is a kind of metaphor — it describes a quality or action without using the person's name.

Example kenning phrases for a mother:

    Warm-hugger,
    Story-weaver,
    Tear-drier,
    Dream-keeper,
    Heart-filler.

Notice how each phrase paints a vivid picture of what a mother does or means to someone — without ever saying the word "Mum"!

1. Read the example kenning poem above. Circle one phrase that you think creates the most vivid image. Write it below and explain what picture it creates in your mind.

I chose: _______________________________

It makes me picture:

2. What poetic device is used in kenning poems?

Rhyme — words that sound the same at the end

Metaphor — describing one thing as if it were another

Alliteration — repeating the same starting sound

Onomatopoeia — words that sound like what they describe

🧠 Part 2: Brainstorm Your Ideas

Think about your mum, nan, aunty, caregiver, or any special mother figure in your life. Use the graphic organiser below to brainstorm ideas before you write your poem.

💡 Tip: Think about what they do, how they make you feel, and what makes them special to you.

3. Fill in the graphic organiser with your brainstormed ideas:

Column A: Qualities, actions, or feelings about your mother figure

(e.g. She gives warm hugs / She tells great stories / She wipes away my tears)

Column B: Turn each idea into a two-word kenning phrase

(e.g. Warm-hugger / Story-weaver / Tear-drier)

4. Tick all the types of language you used or tried to include in your kenning phrases:

Metaphor (describing her as something else)

Vivid imagery (words that create a picture)

Emotion (words that show feeling)

Alliteration (e.g. Dream-dancer, Heart-healer)

✏️ Part 3: Write Your Kenning Poem

Use your best kenning phrases from your brainstorm to write your Mother's Day poem below. Aim for at least 5 kenning phrases. You can use the template to help you get started.

5. Write your kenning poem here:

Use this structure as a guide — you can change it to make it your own!

_______________________________,

Mother of _______________________________ —

That is you.

6. Choose one kenning phrase from your poem that you are most proud of. Write it below and explain why you chose it and what feeling or image it creates.

My favourite phrase: _______________________________

I chose it because:

7. How does your poem show what your mother figure means to you? Write 1–2 sentences.

8. 🎤 Reading Aloud — Practise reading your poem out loud. Tick each box once you have practised:

I read slowly and clearly so every word could be heard

I used expression to show the feelings in my poem

I paused slightly after each kenning phrase

I read my poem to someone (a classmate, teacher, or family member)

✏️ Optional: Illustrate your poem in the box above to go with your writing.