Bringing Poetry Alive
A Guide to Classroom Practice
- Michael Lockwood - University of Reading, UK
Are you looking for ways to get your students and yourself excited about poetry again? Are you tired of teaching the same old poems in the same old way?
This book offers a wealth of ideas and support for ways to really bring poetry alive, drawing on what is known to work, and exploring exciting fresh ideas. It will help you to teach poetry with imagination and confidence, so that you can try new things while still meeting national curriculum requirements.
Written by people who have taught poetry in different settings for many years, and with contributions from poets Michael Rosen and James Carter, this book offers ideas on:
- Using drama
- Cross-curricular working
- What to do with younger learners
- Inspiring children to write their own poems
- And much more!
An enjoyable and uplifting book, it is a must for anyone working with children aged 5 to 14 who is looking for inspiration for their poetry teaching.
'Although written from a wide range of perspectives, each chapter is crammed with ideas as to how to invigorate children's enthusiasm for the poetic beats which might be lurking, tucked away and hidden, in every corner of their everyday lives and dreams. The message of the book is clear: don't just bring poetry alive, keep it alive' -
Tracy Parvin, Senior Lecturer CCCU
'The title says it all. Enthusiasts show how to promote poetry joyfully in the classroom and beyond. The perspectives of poets, teachers, teacher educators and a Children's Laureate combine to offer the reader a whole range of practical ideas for making poetry an enjoyable and satisfying experience. Put one in every staffroom!' -
Morag Styles, Reader in Children's Literature and Education, University of Cambridge
I particularly like the chapters on cross-curricular poetry writing and actual poems - possible responses by Prue Goodwin. These chapters have made valuable contributions to our cross - curricular theme in the year 3 assignment. It shows that other curriculum subjects can act as valuable and dynamic inspiration for poetry writing.
I found this an excellent and clear tour of all aspects of poetry. It encourages resourcefulness and creativity in the reader.
An excellent text with a very personal feel making it accessible to students
A useful comprehensive text
Poetry teaching is a key area of focus on our course, so new titles in this area are always welcome. Promoting innovative and interesting teaching of poetry is crucial to our philosophy, and this title supports our approach.
This book has renewed my belief that poetry is about feelings and reflection and not about the technicalities! Some very good ideas are shared for all ages and I particularly like the academic side with numerous references for further reading should you wish.
A good book to inspire both the teacher and learner.
An accessible text which will both support new teachers' subject knowledge and generate enthusiasm. It will undoubtedly help to address the often expressed feelings of dislike towards poetry and the attendant lack of confidence.
This book is very clear to use and has a variety of practical suggestions for teaching.
This is a fabulous book. It has a strong underlying philosophy of what education should be as well as offering excellent examples of poetry teaching. There is a real sense of joy in words and language and teaching throughout the book.