Planet Poems
I think poetry (and teaching poetry) can be a powerful way for children to begin to understand themselves and the world around them. Just as we might read poetry to gain understanding, so we might read poetry to look at any part of the universe in a new and revealing way. In my book, Astro…
Teaching Poetry
I read this poem as part of my work for National Poetry Day where I had been invited to share the morning with Coppull Parish School. I began with a school assembly and then moved into teaching poetry to Years 4, 5 and 6 in forty-five minute sessions. It was a very rewarding (and revealing…
Encouraging children to be creative
I leave for work fairly early in the morning. Before I go (or the night before) I like to leave my son a little ‘good morning son’ message. It’s just a bit of fun, a sketch (I am not an artist) or a poem (I think I am a writer) or both (I am a…
How to tell a story
First, let’s collect together some bits and bobs… THINK OF SOMEONE (or something) Somebody a bit like you (maybe). We can call this person a HERO. It’s ok if they aren’t perfect. Nobody is. But they will do their best and that’s all that matters. THINK OF SOMEWHERE Go NUTS. It could be anywhere. Sat…