1. ‘Cynddylan on a Tractor’ By R.S. Thomas
This is a drawing of
R.S Thomas.
Ronald Stuart Thomas was a famous poet who painted pictures with words.
He lived in Wales.
His poems describe the Welsh people and the Welsh landscape.
Images courtesy of :Mildred E. Eldridge

2. Cynddylan on a Tractor - R.S. Thomas
‘Cynddylan on a Tractor’ By R.S. Thomas
Cynddylan on a Tractor - R.S. Thomas
Before using the activity press Escape and type the poem into this box. Delete this message and don’t forget to save the file.

3. Hot Seating Session One
‘Cynddylan on a Tractor’ By R.S. Thomas
Think about the poem.
Hot Seating Session One
Working with your ‘thinking partner’ make a list of
questions you would like to ask the poet
R.S. Thomas.
What can you tell me about Cynddylan?
What does Cynddylan look like?
Where do you live?
Have you got a favourite view from your house?
How do you collect ideas for your poems?

4. Hot Seating Session Two
‘Cynddylan on a Tractor’ By R.S. Thomas
Hot Seating Session Two
Working with your ‘thinking partner’ make a list of questions you would like to ask Cynddylan, the farmer.
How did you manage your land before you had your tractor?
How do you feel when you drive your tractor across your land?
What do you like about being a farmer?

5. Challenge: Write a poem about someone you know.
How will you plan your ideas?
Make a mind map.
What does he/she look like?
Where does he/she live?
Who will you choose?
What do you think about this person?
What sort of person is he/she?
What does he/she like to do?

6. Challenge: Make a picture to describe the person.
Think about ….
How can you describe this person with pictures?
Where is the person?
What is he/she doing?
What is he/she wearing?
Which materials will you use?
Which process will you choose?
Drawing
Painting
Collage
Sculpture

7. ‘Cynddylan on a Tractor’ By R.S. Thomas
Group Work Look at your finished picture and your mind map. Talk about your ideas to the group.
Poetry Writing Tips
Your picture and mind map will help your ideas.
Think about interesting sentences to describe the person.
Carefully arrange your sentences to tell your story about the person.
Use a thesaurus to find new words.
Remember – You are painting your picture using words.
Read your final draft to the group/class.
What do they think?
Talk about it.
Make any changes.
Present your finished poem with your artwork.

8. At the end of the task, think about……
‘Cynddylan on a Tractor’ By R.S. Thomas
At the end of the task, think about……
How did you plan your work?
Did making a picture of the person help your writing?
Did the mind map help you plan and write your poem?
Did talking to the group help you develop your ideas?
What would you change if you did this task again?
Can you think of another subject or task where you might use these planning skills?

9. At the end of the task, think about……
‘Cynddylan on a Tractor’ By R.S. Thomas
At the end of the task, think about……
How did you plan your work?
Did making a picture of the person help your writing?
Did the mind map help you plan and write your poem?
Did talking to the group help you develop your ideas?
What would you change if you did this task again?
Can you think of another subject or task where you might use these planning skills?