ABSTRACT

Poetry – From Reading to Writing covers the process of writing poetry, from reading poems through to writing them. It is intended particularly for teachers at key stage 2 level, but other teachers will also find it valuable. It is clearly and accessibly written and jargon-free. In providing a wealth of practical ideas and activities preparing for the writing of poems, the book also stresses the use of talk, improvised drama and the reading and performance of poems. The author, who has published four collections of poetry, uses his own work and the work of others to explore how creative readings of poems can spark a child’s imagination and lead to original writing. Pupils are encouraged throughout the book to explore different forms of poetry, including:

    • Rhyming and non-rhyming poems
    • Riddles
    • Short poems
    • Haiku, tanka, renga
    • Poems from stories
    • Free verse
    • Narrative poems
    • Poems drawing on current affairs and history

This book can be used by both pupils and teachers, and contains motivating tasks and tips to build pupils’ confidence in poetry writing. Explicit links are made throughout to the latest primary framework for literacy, making this an invaluable resource for all practising and trainee teachers who wish to teach poetry in the classroom in a creative and enjoyable way.

chapter |6 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|6 pages

Lists

chapter 2|11 pages

Rhymes

chapter 3|4 pages

Poems without rhymes

chapter 4|6 pages

Haiku and related forms

chapter 5|10 pages

More short poems

Impressions, anecdotes, epitaphs, epigrams, shapes

chapter 6|6 pages

Free verse and Chinese poems

chapter 7|9 pages

Imagery and sound

chapter 8|6 pages

Poems from stories

chapter 9|4 pages

Riddles and nonsense poems

chapter 10|5 pages

Poems with talk

chapter 11|7 pages

Praise-poems and prayers

chapter 12|8 pages

Narrative poems

chapter 13|8 pages

Poems from history and other places