Help pupils explore language and imagery with this KS2 poetry resource pack. Pupils will read and annotate two WAGOLL model poems, before writing their own poems using the five senses and similes.
One WAGOLL, Tremors, describes an earthquake, while the other, Lava, depicts molten rock from a volcano. The poems focus on description and imagery rather than rhyme, while the use of similes enhances pupils’ understanding of figurative language.
The themes of earthquakes and volcanoes can be adapted to suit your topic or pupils’ interests. The pack also offers opportunities to revisit or teach similes in context.
What’s included in this senses poetry resource
Model text 1 – Tremors
A poem describing an earthquake using the five senses. Pupils can explore visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory and tactile imagery, and see how similes enhance description, e.g., “It looks like the earth is being torn like paper.”
Model text 2 – Lava
A poem depicting flowing lava using the senses and similes, e.g., “It looks like strawberry sauce dripping down the side of a cone.” Pupils can annotate and discuss how language creates impact and mood.
Senses poem writing sheet
A PDF with success criteria and examples of similes to support pupils’ writing.
Senses poem planning sheet
A worksheet for pupils to record ideas, noting which senses to describe and planning similes.
Writing scaffold
Sentence starters for each line to guide pupils when writing their own poems.
Themed writing paper
PDF sheets for pupils to present their finished poems neatly.
Features of these poems
- A line to introduce the topic
- Descriptions using the five senses
- Similes comparing one thing to another using “like”
- Adjectives and vivid vocabulary to create imagery
National Curriculum links
Years 3-4 – Pupils recognise different forms of poetry and plan their writing by analysing structure, vocabulary and grammar in model texts.
Years 5-6 – Pupils discuss and evaluate figurative language, including similes, considering the impact on the reader. They draft poems using vocabulary and grammar choices that enhance meaning.
This resource gives pupils the guidance and structure to write imaginative, sensory poems while developing their understanding of similes and descriptive language.