Writing poetry allows pupils to explore and develop their use of language. Using this resource pack, pupils in KS1 will create their own kennings, using a range of poetic techniques.
The resources are based around two model texts, showing WAGOLL (what a good one looks like), that describe things that are familiar to pupils in Years 1 and 2 - toys and objects at home or school. The reader should use the clues to guess what is being described. Pupils could create their own kennings based on your current topic or taking inspiration from a book the class are currently reading.
This KS1 resource pack includes:
- Kenning model text: Which toy? - This model text is a kenning that describes a teddy. It is written as a riddle, with the reader guessing the toy being described.
- Kenning model text: What am I? - This model text is a kenning that describes a common object found at home or school - a chair. It is written as a riddle, with the reader guessing the object being described.
- Kenning writing sheet - This contains success criteria for writing a kenning as well as examples of adding the suffix -er to words and the use of adjectives.
- Kenning ideas sheet - Pupils can record ideas, words and phrases that they could write about in their own kennings.
- Kenning ideas cards - A PDF worksheet with a variety of different toys and everyday objects that the pupils could describe in their kennings.
- Kenning writing plan - This worksheet allows pupils to plan a single kenning, recording things that they know about the person, animal or object that they are writing about before writing their own kenning.
- Themed writing paper - The writing paper can be used for pupils to present their work.
What is a kenning?
A kenning is a figure of speech used in poetry, especially in Anglo-Saxon and Norse poems. It describes something familiar, without mentioning its name. A kenning is usually written as a list, with each line containing two words that are usually joined by a hyphen (e.g., bone-cruncher, noise-maker) .
National Curriculum English programme of study links:
Year 1
Pupils should develop a pleasure in reading, motivation to read, vocabulary and understanding by listening to and discussing a wide range of poems…
Pupils should be taught to write sentences by saying out loud what they will write about and composing sentences orally before writing.
Pupils should be taught to add prefixes and suffixes: -er
Year 2
Pupils should develop a pleasure in reading, motivation to read, vocabulary and understanding by listening to, discussing and expressing views about a wide range of classic and contemporary poetry…
Pupils should be taught to develop positive attitudes and stamina for writing by writing poetry.
Pupils should apply spelling rules and guidance, as listed in Appendix 1 (-er)