Upper KS2 Ryming Workshop

with Sarah Ogilvie

This 60-minute workshop is based around the start of new rhyming maths story, ‘Pearl Proves a Point’, for 8+ years – publishing in May 2025.  Pupils work towards writing their own rhyming couplets which, read together, produce an alternative start to the story whilst fitting with the rhythm and rhyming pattern of the original.

·       Pupils explore how the opening stanzas of ‘Pearl Proves a Point’ work effectively through the use of rhyme along with a regular rhythm and relevant actions/speech.

·       Next, pupils take part in a range of activities where they identify, collate and discover pairs and groups of words that rhyme.  We put together pairs of rhyming words that may be useful endings for their own rhyming couplets.  They also spent time exploring the three essentials of a successful rhyming couplet within a story:

1.     It must rhyme.

2.     It must fit with the rhythm of the other couplets.

3.     It must make sense with the rest of the story.

·       Pupils then work in pairs to produce a rhyming couplet that will form part of a new introduction to the story, using the criteria listed above.  The session ends with a group performance of the pupils’ efforts and a celebration of their success as a poetry team!

10:56

Two friends at the door, standing guard,

Last minute swaps of football cards,

Better fix up, stop messing around coz

“Miss is coming!  Quick sit down.”

10:57

Chunky jewellery, curly hair,

In she sweeps, firm but fair,

Chewing gum hidden, (hope she didn’t see),

Eyes to the front, here she is, Miss G.

10:58

Good morning everyone, let’s begin,

Chelsea, chewing gum in the bin,

Dean, football cards away,

Hello Pearl you look smart today.

10:59

Jumpers off, you’ll  feel much cooler,

Min that’s not what we do with a ruler,

Josh and Tre, take off your hats,

No thank you Linda, I’m surprised at that,

Breaktime’s over,  end of chat.

It’s 11 o’clock, time for maths!