are mean’

Definition:

a type of crown-like, ornamental headband, usually worn by royalty

Synonyms:

crown, tiara, coronet

Diadem

Example:

The royal guest wore a stunning diadem to the ceremony. ‘The Sky is low – the Clouds are mean’ by Emily Dickinson The Sky is low – the Clouds are mean. A Travelling Flake of Snow Across a Barn or through a Rut Debates if it will go –A Narrow Wind complains all Day How some one treated him Nature, like Us, is sometimes caught Without her Diadem. READING 1 Describe the scene the poet is looking out at in one sentence. 2 Who is the speaker in the poem? 3 What is the subject of the poem? 4 Complete the inference jigsaw task in your activity book (see page 50). 5 Complete the personification task in your activity book (see page 51). 6 Can you remember a time when you experienced the same mood as in this poem? 7 Do you think the poet has used any words in the poem that are unnecessary? Which ones? Explain your choice. 8 The poet uses two commas in the lines below. What is the purpose of the commas placed where they are? Nature, like Us, is sometimes caught Without her Diadem. 9 Does this poem remind you of any other poem you have studied? In what way? ACT IVITY ©The Educational Company of Ireland

COMMUNICATING

ACT IVITY

1 Listen to a reading of the poem: edco.ie/mm73 Complete the personal response grid in your activity book (see page 52). Then divide into small groups and share your ideas. 2 Create a dramatic performance of this poem. Think about which words should be emphasised, what tone of voice you should speak in and what kind of sound effects or backing music you might play in the background. WRITING Imagine you are looking out of your window and this picture is what you see. Write a paragraph describing the weather in this picture. Writing Tips Begin by listing all the things you can see in the picture. Try to think of any adjectives you could use to describe these things. Aim to use at least one example of personification, metaphor or simile to describe what you see in the picture. ‘Daffodils’ by William Wordswor th PRE-READING: COMMUNICATING 1 Watch these three versions of the poem: edco.ie/ku7t edco.ie/6c5z edco.ie/b4yg 2 Then share your thoughts with your partner. 3 Which was your favourite poem reading and why?©The Educational Company of Ireland