English

The Tyger

Year One
English | The Tyger | Poetry | Annotating a Poem | Lesson 1 of 4
 Aim
• To annotate and evaluate a poem.

Success Criteria
• I can identify an author’s use of figurative language.
• I can discuss my personal opinions about a poem and comment on how
effective a poem is.
• I can add relevant notes to a poem.
• I can recall and read a section of poetry aloud.
 The Tyger
During this lesson, we are going to read ‘The Tyger’, a famous poem by William Blake,
first published in 1794.

Consider the language chosen and how it helps to create images for the reader.

After the first reading, we are going to read through again, one stanza (verse) at a time,
whilst also beginning to make notes (annotations) around the poem.

Your notes should be made to help you understand the poem and we will discuss the types
of notes together.

Click here to listen

to a reading of ‘The
Tyger’.
 The Tyger

When
And
Tyger
thewhat
stars
Tyger,
shoulder,
threw
burning
down
& what
bright,
theirart,
spears
And
Could
water’d
Intwist
the forests
the
heaven
sinews
ofwith
theofnight,
their
thy heart?
tears:
 Annotating
Throughout the reading and discussion of the poem, everyone should annotate their copies.

What to do when annotating:

•highlight key words and phrases;
•explain the meaning of words or phrases;
•identify rhyming words;
•be sure to question any parts that you do
not understand.
 Figurative Language
Whilst looking at the first two stanzas of the burning bright
poem, can we identify examples of figurative
language? the fire of thine eyes

burning bright
Can anyone identify and highlight examples of
frame/fearful
alliteration?
distant deep

bright/night
What rhyming words have you been able to
skies/eyes
identify? Where do the rhymes appear?
aspire/fire

Are there any more words or phrases that you do not understand?
 Reading Aloud
Challenge 1:
Practise reading the poem (or a
section of it) aloud. Use your best
expression and a loud, clear voice to
perform the piece.
Challenge 3:
Now that you have spent some time
studying and learning the poem, consider
your own personal opinion of it. Can you
comment on what you think of the poem,
with justification to support your
thoughts?
Challenge 2:
Try memorising a section of the
poem and learning it by heart.
Can you perform it from memory,
without reading?
Challenge 4:
Use a whiteboard to write either one
sentence or three words that
summarise your opinion on the
poem. Be ready to share and justify
your thoughts.
 Aim
• To annotate and evaluate a poem.

Success Criteria
• I can identify an author’s use of figurative language.
• I can discuss my personal opinions about a poem and comment on how
effective a poem is.
• I can add relevant notes to a poem.
• I can recall and read a section of poetry aloud.