Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman Developing Reading Skills
Overview
The Highwayman overview Resources Starter Introduction Development Plenary L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Introduce poem and scheme of work Discuss What is a highwayman? Read and discuss the first 3 verses Study mood Check pupils understanding 1 Extension questions L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Recap first 3 verses of the poem and mood created Read up to the highwayman s description First impressions The Highwayman and Bess Draw image based on description Show drawings Constructive criticism 2 L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Discuss Tim character and motives Description, dialogue and action Characterisation task Discuss findings 3
The Highwayman overview Resources Starter Introduction Development Plenary L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Discuss images of contrast Compare and contrast Tim and the Highwayman Tim and the Highwayman table Feedback findings 4 L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Introduce P.E.E. Read up to the end of stanza seven Points and Evidence task 3 points about the soldiers Read out paragraphs Constructive criticism 5 L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Recap the story so far Cloze exercise Cartoon strip Feedback 6
The Highwayman overview Resources Starter Introduction Development Plenary L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Label the scene where Bess is captured Model diary writing Discuss Tim s character Tim s diary Read out diary entry Constructive criticism 7 L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Introduce inference and deduction Infer & deduce imagery Deduction skills task Discuss table with a partner 8 L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Read up to the end of stanza 13 Discuss tension Tension graph Tension paragraph Feedback paragraphs and provide criticism 9
The Highwayman overview Resources Starter Introduction Development Plenary L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Read to the end of the poem Sequencing The Local Times Complete newspaper story front page for homework 1 0 L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Introduce hotseating Model hotseating Hotseating in groups Volunteer groups present 1 1 L e s s o n PPT and worksheets What are similes? Super similes Similes in The Highwayman Creating similes Feedback examples to class 1 2
The Highwayman overview Resources Starter Introduction Development Plenary L e s s o n PPT and worksheets What are metaphors? Mega metaphors Metaphors in The Highwayman Creating metaphors in writing Feedback examples to class 1 3 L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Introduce concept of theme Tortoise and the hare Highwayman theme mind map Feedback mind map and discuss 1 4 L e s s o n PPT and worksheets Recap the story Cloze exercise Cartoon strip Extension tasks Links 1 5
PowerPoint Presentation
Predictions and setting Objectives: To make predictions about the text based on the title of the poem. To analyse how words are used to create atmosphere in The Highwayman.
What is a highwayman? When you think of the word highwayman what images come to mind? What was/is a highwayman? Do they exist today? The Highwayman
Setting The Highwayman begins with a description of the moors on a blustery, moonlit night. Read the first three verses. Highlight words or phrases used by the author to create a ghostly atmosphere.
The Highwayman THE wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees, The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas, The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor, And the highwayman came riding Riding riding The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door.
The Highwayman He'd a French cocked-hat on his forehead, a bunch of lace at his chin, A coat of the claret velvet, and breeches of brown doe-skin; They fitted with never a wrinkle: His boots were up to the thigh! And he rode with a jewelled twinkle, His pistol butts a-twinkle, His rapier hilt a-twinkle, under the jewelled sky.
The Highwayman Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed in the dark inn-yard, And he tapped with his whip on the shutters, but all was locked and barred; He whistled a tune to the window, and who should be waiting there But the landlord's black-eyed daughter, Bess, the landlord's daughter, Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair.
Plenary When you have finished discuss the words you have highlighted. In your opinion, has the author successfully managed to create a dark mood and hook the reader?
Extension Questions 1. The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees. What does this opening sentence suggest about the setting? 2. What is a ghostly galleon? How does it add atmosphere? 3. The Road was a ribbon of moonlight. What poetic technique is being used here? 4. Find some examples of the technique from question three. What effects are created in the first three verses by the use of this technique? 5. What is your first impression of the highwayman? Why do you think he is meeting Bess at this time of night?
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 2 The Highwayman and Bess
The Highwayman and Bess Objectives: To develop understanding of the characters in the poem
The Highwayman What are your first impressions of the highwayman? What words or phrases does the poet use to describe him.
The Highwayman Write a paragraph explaining how Alfred Noyes, the poet, presents the character of the highwayman to the reader. The Highwayman 12 th December My first impression of the highwayman is that he is You could use some of the sentence starters on the next slide to get you up and running.
The Highwayman and Bess What are your first impressions of the highwayman? What is he doing in the first three verses of the poem? Below are a few sentence starters to help with your paragraph: The Highwayman and Bess 12 th February The highwayman is He is wearing He is meeting she is The highwayman and Bess are
Imagery Draw a picture of the highwayman, using only the description used in the poem.
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 3 Tim the Ostler
Tim the Ostler Objective: To learn how authors use description, dialogue and action to create characters To develop deeper understanding of the characters in the narrative
Tim Read verse 4. What are your first impressions of Tim? What words or phrases could you use to describe him.
First impressions last Remember your paragraph about the highwayman? You probably wrote about his appearance and personality but where did those ideas come from? Tim 12 th December My first impression of Tim is that he is Authors create characters through description, dialogue and action but do you know exactly what those things are?
Description, dialogue, action! Can you match up the word with its correct definition? Description What the character says Dialogue What the character does Action How the character looks, feels and behaves
Description, Dialogue, Action! Can you match up the word with its correct definition? Description What the character says Dialogue What the character does Action How the character looks, feels and behaves
Description, dialogue and action Now re-read verse four then verses five and six, paying close attention to the highwayman and Bess. Quotation His eyes were hollows of madness. Description, dialogue or action description What it suggests about him One kiss my bonny sweetheart. Bess and the highwayman kiss
The highwayman came riding Write a paragraph explaining how Alfred Noyes uses description, dialogue and action to present the characters of the highwayman, Bess and Tim to the reader. Characterisation Alfred Noyes uses 12 th March You could use some of the sentence starters on the next slide to get you up and running.
Characterisation Beginning a piece of writing is often the most difficult part. Below are a few sentence starters to help with your paragraph: Description, dialogue and action 12 th March Alfred Noyes, the author of The Highwayman, uses description, dialogue and action to Tim is in the stable, he is described as. When he talks to Bess the highwayman says The author s use of description, dialogue and action gives the reader an insight into the characters in the poem
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 4 The Love Triangle
The Love Triangle Objectives: To understand the meaning of contrast in writing To learn how Alfred Noyes uses contrast to present the characters of Tim and the highwayman
What is Contrast? What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the word contrast? Maybe you think about a TV or computer screen. What does the contrast button do?
Spot the Contrast Look at the picture below. What contrast can you see?
Spot the Contrast Look at the image below. What contrast can you see?
Spot the Contrast Think about the characters of the highwayman and Tim. What contrasts can you identify?
Contrast Tim and the highwayman The characters of Tim and the highwayman are very different. Now you have read the opening six stanzas think about the contrast between the two characters. Draw a table like this one in your books then, after discussion with a partner, complete the necessary details. Tim Hair like mouldy hay The highwayman Wear expensive, fashionable clothes
Plenary Discuss your findings with a partner or the rest of the class. Explain what the contrasts are between Tim and the highwayman. What is the one thing they have in common? Why do you think the author has chosen such different characters as rivals for Bess s love?
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 5 Point, Evidence, Explain
Point, Evidence, Explain Objectives: To learn how to use P.E.E. when writing about poetry.
Writing about texts You should always, when writing about any text, use the P.E.E formula. Make a point, find some evidence and then explain the evidence in detail.
Points & Evidence Look at how the soldiers are presented in stanzas seven, eight and nine through the use of description, dialogue and action. Find examples from stanza seven and explain what they reveal about their characters. Point Evidence Explain The soldiers don t speak to the landlord. They said no word to the landlord. The soldiers are rude and unpleasant. They help themselves to the landlord s beer. They Bess to and place a
Don t forget to explain yourself Use the information from the table to write 3 points about the soldiers. Add a quote and explanation for each point. For example The soldiers are The text says: this shows that...
Plenary Read your paragraph about the soldiers to the rest of the group. What are its strengths and weaknesses?
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 6 Got the Plot?
Got the Plot? Objectives: To consolidate knowledge and understanding of the story of The Highwayman
The story so far Read to the end of stanza nine then complete the summary of the plot by filling in the gaps The poem begins with the description of the nameless riding across the on a, night. He rides up to an old where he has planned to meet the landlord s daughter,. We learn that the highwayman and Bess are in but so is, an who overhears the between the lovers. Tim is of the highwayman as he is also with the beautiful Bess. Tim overhears the highwayman promise that he will to Bess when he has finished his night s work. Tim tells the who arrive at the inn; they Bess to the foot of her. They her, fasten a beneath her chest and wait for the highwayman to return.
The story so far Read to the end of stanza nine then complete the summary of the plot by filling in the gaps The poem begins with the description of the nameless highwayman riding across the moors on a blustery, moonlit night. He rides up to an old inn where he has planned to meet the landlord s daughter, Bess. We learn that the highwayman and Bess are in love but so is Tim, an ostler who overhears the conversation between the lovers. Tim is jealous of the highwayman as he is also in love with the beautiful Bess. Tim overhears the highwayman promise that he will return to Bess when he has finished his night s work. Tim tells the soldiers who arrive at the inn; they tie Bess to the foot of her bed. They gag her, fasten a gun beneath her chest and wait for the highwayman to return.
The Comic Strip Create a comic strip version of the story so far. The highwayman rides up to the inn
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 7 Bess the landlord s daughter
Bess Objective: To learn how the poet creates images in the reader s imagination. To develop knowledge and understanding of the plot
Bess sing the description from stanzas three, six and nine, draw and label the scene where Bess is captured by the soldiers.
Tim s diary Read up to the end of stanza nine. Imagine that Tim the ostler kept a diary in which he wrote about what has happened. What would he write about? What would he be thinking and feeling?
Plenary Read out your diary entry to a partner then ask them the following questions: What is good about it? How could I improve it? Listen carefully to the suggestions.
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 8 Deduction skills
Deduction skills Objective: To learn how to deduce information from a text To analyse how the author builds tension in stanzas 10 to 13
Deduction Look at lines a and b very carefully. Which is longest? We all see different things when we look at an image, read a poem or watch a film. Being able to deduce is about looking closely and picking up clues that tell us more about the character or plot.
What can you see?
Deduce Look at the following image. Discuss what you think has happened. Use evidence from the picture to help you.
Deduction skills Look at the following image. Discuss what you think has happened. Use evidence from the picture to help you.
Deduction skills Read up to the end of stanza 11. Find examples of the author s use of description, dialogue and action then explain what the reader can deduce about what may happen next. The poem They had bound a musket beside her, with the muzzle beneath her breast. What we can deduce Bess has been tied up with a gun fastened against her chest. If she moves too much it may go off and kill her. She writhed her hands till her fingers were wet with sweat or blood! The tip of one finger touched it! The trigger at least was hers! And the blood of her veins in the moonlight throbbed to her love's refrain Tlot-tlot; tlot-tlot!
Plenary Discuss your table with a partner. Do they agree or disagree with your deductions? Why might different people have different answers?
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 9 Building Tension
Building Tension Objective: To develop understanding of how the poet builds tension.
Building Tension Read up to the end of stanza 13. This section of the poem slowly builds suspense, but how does the poet create and build such tension? Pick out words, phrases and sentence structures (e.g. long, short) that help Alfred Noyes build a dramatic mood in this section of the poem. Plot your findings on a graph to show how tension is built up. An example is shown on the following slide
Climax Very tense Slow tension Calm they bound a musket beside her There was death at every window Stanza 8 Stanza 13 Draw a graph to show how tension is built up in stanzas 8 to 13.
Building Tension Write a paragraph about how Alfred Noyes builds tension in stanzas 8 to 13. Below are some sentences to help you. Tension 12 th March Alfred Noyes builds tension by He uses words and phrases such as Sentence structure is also used to create atmosphere
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 10 Secret Love
Secret Love Objective: To consolidate understanding of the plot in the final section of the poem.
Sequencing Place the following events in the correct order: The soldiers arrive and tie Bess to the foot of the bed Bess manages to reach the trigger of the gun The highwayman rides over the moors towards the inn The highwayman hears the gunshot and turns around Bess dies from the gunshot wound The soldiers shoot the highwayman dead on the road Bess is gagged and a musket placed beneath her breast The highwayman races back to the inn in a furious rage At dawn the highwayman hears what Bess did for him The soldiers wait by the windows with their guns ready The sound of the highwayman s horse is heard on the road Bess pulls the trigger
Sequencing Place the following events in the correct order: The soldiers arrive and tie Bess to the foot of the bed Bess is gagged and a musket placed beneath her breast The soldiers wait by the windows with their guns ready Bess manages to reach the trigger of the gun The sound of the highwayman s horse is heard on the road The highwayman rides over the moors towards the inn Bess pulls the trigger The highwayman hears the gunshot and turns around Bess dies from the gunshot wound At dawn the highwayman hears what Bess did for him The highwayman races back to the inn in a furious rage The soldiers shoot the highwayman dead on the road
The Local Times Imagine you are a reporter for the local newspaper. It is the day after the deaths of the highwayman and Bess. Write up the full story for the front page of the newspaper.
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 11 In the hotseat
Hotseating Objective: To consolidate understanding of character and plot through hotseating
In the hotseat Read up to the end of stanza 15. Why does Bess pull the trigger? Is it the right thing to do? Think about the following characters: Tim, Bess, the highwayman, the landlord, one of the soldiers What would they be thinking and feeling at the point before Bess pulls the trigger?
In the hotseat Split into groups of four. Each member of the group must assume the identity of a character from the poem (either Tim, Bess, the highwayman or the landlord) or a questioner. The questioner will put forward a series of questions about the events of the poem to each of the characters. Characters must respond to the questions in detail and in role, showing a depth of understanding of the character being portrayed. Some ideas for questions are included on the next slide. I was willing to give my life for his He deserved what he got My darling, I will always love you Who might say that?
Ideas for questions The following are merely suggestions or starting points. Questioners should listen closely, challenge the characters responses and draw out detailed answers from the other members of the group. 1. Tim, do you regret what you did? 2. Bess, how did you feel when the soldiers tied you to the bed? 3. Mr highwayman, why did you return to the inn when you heard what had happened to Bess? 4. Landlord what are you feelings about what has happened?
Plenary One or more groups could perform their hot seating to the class. Audience members could ask questions to the characters. Consider what you have learnt about the characters in this lesson.
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 12 Similes
Similes Objectives: Reading: To understand how the poet uses similes to create vivid images for the reader. Writing: To learn how to use similes to create vivid images in your own writing.
What are Similes? A simile is the comparison of one item with another. It can usually be spotted by the use of the words as or like to bring the two ideas together. For example: George ran away from them, could become, George ran like a fox chased by a pack of hungry hounds. The first sentence makes sense but does not create a clear image whereas the second sentence creates an image and is more effective.
Super Similes Similes are used to emphasise some quality about the object described. They create vivid imagery and help to make the scene come alive in the reader s imagination. In The Highwayman Alfred Noyes uses a number of similes to make the poem more interesting for the reader. Can you find six similes used in this poem?
The Highwayman There are a number of similes in this poem, including: His hair like mouldy hay. Dumb as a dog he listened. The hours crawled by like years. Her face was like a light. He spurred like a madman. Down like a dog on the highway. Discuss these similes with your teacher, what is the effect of each one, what do they add to the poem?
Now try to use a simile to complete the sentences 1. Susan ran like. 2. The gull soared as high as. 3. The path wound through the hills like 4. The trees towered above me like 5. The snow fell as gently as..
Plenary Similes are an excellent way of improving your writing. Try to use one or two similes in your next piece of written work.
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 13 Figures of Speech Metaphors
Metaphors Objectives: Reading: To recognise how the poet uses metaphors to create imagery in The Highwayman. Writing: To learn how to use metaphors to create images in your own writing.
What are Metaphors? Like a simile, a metaphor is a comparison of one item with another. However instead of saying that something is like or as something else a metaphor says that it is something else. Confused? Don t be. Instead of writing, the path wound its way through the hills like a snake (SIMILE) You could write: The path snaked its way through the hills (METAPHOR) In a metaphor one thing is said to be another but it is not literally true.
Mega Metaphors Metaphors are used to emphasise some quality about the object described. Here are a few more metaphors: She broke my heart Time flew by It was raining cats and dogs
Mega Metaphors In The Highwayman Alfred Noyes uses a number of metaphors to make the poem more interesting for the reader. Can you find six metaphors used in the poem?
The Highwayman There are a number of metaphors in this poem, including: The wind was a torrent of darkness. The moon was a ghostly galleon. The road was a ribbon of moonlight. The purple moor. The jewelled sky. His eyes were hollows of madness. Discuss these metaphors with your teacher, what is the effect of each one, what do they add to the poem?
Creating vivid sentences using metaphors Use a metaphor to create a sentence for each of the following. The first has been done for you: 1. Lava slithering down a volcano. (A huge golden snake of lava slithered down the volcano) 2. An elderly lady looking tired and weary. 3. A crowd of commuters rushing to work. 4. A jet plane flying overhead. 5. A storm blasting a small fishing village. This is quite a difficult task. If you are stuck have a quick look on the next slide for inspiration
Example Sentences Here are a few ideas for sentences: 1. A huge golden snake of lava slithered down the volcano. 2. The old woman carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. 3. The crowd of worker ants clambered onto the train. 4. The jet screamed over the village tearing the sky apart. 5. The storm, an angry giant, smashed at the harbour walls.
Speaking and Listening Feedback : Read your sentences out to a partner or the rest of the class. Explain why you have chosen particular metaphors, say why you selected particular comparisons.
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 14 Developing Reading Skills - Theme
Themes Objectives: To be aware of the author s purpose and theme To understand how the writer conveys a theme to the reader
The tale of the tortoise and the hare Do you remember the tale of the tortoise and the hare? Click below to remind yourself Click me! No! No! Click me! What is the purpose of the story of the tortoise and the hare?
Theme Like the story of the tortoise and the hare many texts have a message or moral and may explore a subject that the writer wants the reader to think about. This is called the theme. Themes are many and varied and can include subjects such as: Love War Prejudice Growing up What do you think the theme(s) of The Highwayman could be?
The Highwayman Themes What themes does the poem explore? Create a mind map to show how Alfred Noyes explores a variety of themes in The Highwayman. Crime and punishment jealousy The Highwayman love
Teacher-of-English.com The Highwayman 15 Got the Plot?
Got the Plot? Objectives: To consolidate knowledge and understanding of the story of The Highwayman
The story so far Read to the end of the poem then complete the summary of the plot by filling in the gaps Tied to the, Bess struggles silently and finally reaches the of the gun with the of one of her fingers. She realises that she can her lover and save his. Shortly after they hear the approaching and the soldiers prepare to him. But before the soldiers can take a shot Bess pulls the of the gun and herself. The highwayman hears the and gallops off into the, unaware of what has happened. At he discovers the truth and races in a blind towards the where he is shot by the redcoats. The poem ends with the of the highwayman and Bess meeting at the old.
The story so far Read to the end of the poem then complete the summary of the plot by filling in the gaps Tied to the bed, Bess struggles silently and finally reaches the trigger of the gun with the tip of one of her fingers. She realises that she can warn her lover and save his life. Shortly after midnight they hear the highwayman approaching and the soldiers prepare to shoot him. But before the soldiers can take a shot Bess pulls the trigger of the gun and kills herself. The highwayman hears the gunshot and gallops off into the night, unaware of what has happened. At dawn he discovers the truth and races in a blind rage towards the inn where he is shot dead by the redcoats. The poem ends with the ghosts of the highwayman and Bess meeting at the old inn.
The Comic Strip Create a comic strip version of the second part of the story. Bess is tied up and gagged
Extension tasks The following slides contain external links to a range of online resources which support the teaching of The Highwayman. http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/english/ thehighwayman.htm
More links Video readings and interpretations of the poem http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=q1ovqaanwje http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyump-nk0- U&feature=related