Performance Poetry Sharing

Overview

In this final lesson of the unit "Expressing Emotions Through Poetry," Year 3 pupils will develop confidence in performance poetry by practising and performing their own emotional poems. The focus will be on voice modulation, expression, and body language to communicate feelings effectively. This lesson will consolidate their understanding of poetry’s emotional power and develop oracy skills in a supportive classroom atmosphere.

---

National Curriculum Links (England)

English - Year 3 Spoken Language

• Use appropriate register and vocabulary when speaking formally and informally (SpokLang Y3)
• Articulate and justify answers, arguments and opinions (SpokLang Y3)
• Gain, maintain and monitor the interest of the listener(s) (SpokLang Y3)
• Consider and evaluate different viewpoints (SpokLang Y3)

English - Year 3 Reading: comprehension and writing: composition (Poetry)

• Identify how language, structure, and presentation contribute to meaning (Reading)
• Discuss writing similar to that which they are planning to write, to understand and learn from its structure, vocabulary and grammar (Writing)

English Programmes of Study - Writing

• Plan their writing by discussing and recording ideas
• Evaluate and edit by assessing the effectiveness of their own and others’ writing and suggesting improvements

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the 45-minute session, pupils will be able to:

• Perform their own poem aloud using voice modulation and expressive body language to convey emotion effectively (SpokLang Y3).
• Use appropriate volume, pace, and intonation to engage the listener and enhance the poem’s mood (SpokLang Y3).
• Demonstrate awareness of audience by performing confidently and respectfully listening to others (SpokLang Y3).
• Reflect on their own and peers’ performances, giving constructive feedback (Writing, SpokLang Y3).

---

Resources

• Pupils’ own poems from Lesson 2
• Printed or digital copies of poems for reference
• Audio recording device (optional)
• ‘Expression and Performance Tips’ poster
• Space arranged for performance (circle or raised platform)
• Feedback forms or smiley face/thumbs up chart

---

Lesson Structure

1. Warm-up: Voice and Body Express (10 minutes)

• Activity:
  • Lead a fun group warm-up focused on vocal and physical expression.
  • Exercises: Tongue twisters (e.g., "Red lorry, yellow lorry") for articulation; practise volume control by saying “Hello” softly then loudly; use body language games such as showing different emotions with faces and gestures (happy, sad, excited, scared).
• Purpose: Prepare pupils physically and vocally for expressive poetry performance, building confidence and communication skills.
• Curriculum Link: Spoken language, maintaining listener interest.

2. Performance Tips Discussion (5 minutes)

• Briefly go over key tips for performing poetry:
  • Use changes in pitch and pace to match emotions.
  • Make eye contact with the audience.
  • Use gestures and facial expressions naturally.
  • Breathe properly before starting.
• Refer to the 'Expression and Performance Tips' poster displayed in class.
• Ask pupils to share ideas on what makes a read-aloud poetry performance powerful.
• Curriculum Link: Discussing and evaluating effective performance methods.

3. Group Practice: Paired Performances (10 minutes)

• Pupils pair up and practise reading each other’s poems aloud, applying voice and body language tips.
• Partners provide positive feedback focusing on expression and clarity.
• Teacher circulates giving quick tips and encouraging quieter learners.
• Optional: Audio record some performances for self-review or sharing later.
• Curriculum Link: Justifying and articulating opinions, evaluating effectiveness.

4. Class Performances and Celebration (15 minutes)

• Invite pupils to volunteer to perform their poem to the whole class.
• Set clear expectations for attentive listening (e.g., applauding respectfully, no interrupting).
• After each performance, allow the class to share one positive comment about the expression or emotion conveyed.
• Encourage performers to self-reflect briefly: “How did it feel to perform?” or “Which part did you like reading the most?”
• Curriculum Link: Gaining and maintaining audience interest; supporting peers.

5. Reflection and Cool Down (5 minutes)

• Whole-class discussion: What did we learn about expressing emotions through poetry?
• Use a “feelings” circle: each child says one word about how performing their poem made them feel.
• Highlight how performance enhances understanding of poetry’s meaning and emotion.
• Explain how these skills help in other speaking and drama activities.
• Curriculum Link: Reflecting on performance and learning.

---

Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation of paired practices and individual presentations.
• Use of simple feedback checklist aligned to learning objectives (expression, clarity, body language).
• Peer and self-assessment via feedback comments and discussions.
• Teacher notes to inform future spoken language development.

---

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Encourage them to explore additional performance elements such as:

  • Creating simple props or costumes to complement their poem and amplify emotion.
  • Recording a video performance with varied camera angles and editing simple sound effects.
  • Writing and performing a short group poem collaboratively to deepen understanding of emotional nuance and teamwork.
  • Researching famous performance poets (e.g., Benjamin Zephaniah) and preparing a presentation on their techniques.

---

Differentiation

• Support less confident pupils by allowing small group performances before presenting to whole class.
• Provide sentence starters and expression word banks for pupils who need scaffolding.
• Offer challenge questions to more able pupils, e.g., “How does changing your voice pitch change the listener’s feeling?”

---

Classroom Organisation

• Arrange desks/chairs to form a circle or U-shape for audience inclusiveness.
• Clear space at the front or centre for performers.
• Ensure calm, respectful environment for confident sharing.

---

End of Lesson 3: Performance Poetry – Sharing Our Emotions
This immersive session combines creative expression, communication skills, and emotional literacy, finishing the poetry unit on a high, inspiring confidence and appreciation for spoken word art.