Get children to think about and brainstorm things that remind them of Christmas. Then write a two-verse poem, verse one starting with the words "Outside at Christmas...." followed by several descriptive sentences, and the second verse starting "Inside at Christmas..." and followed by more sentences.

More able children can try and link their lines between verses to show contrast, e.g. (outside at Christmas) trees are bare and branches thin/animals search for food in the cold and in the second verse (inside at Christmas) trees are laden with baubles and lights/people are eating mince pies around the fire etc.

I've tried this with my year six class and they have really enjoyed it.

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