Poetry - From Reading to Writing: A Classroom Guide for Ages 7-11

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.

Robert Hull’s four published collections of verse include two for children, Stargrazer (Hodder), shortlisted for the Signal prize, and Everest and Chips (OUP), shortlisted for the CLPE prize. He is the author of two much-praised books on teaching, Behind the Poem (Routledge) and The Language Gap (Methuen). He has 30 years’ experience of working in schools as a teacher and running workshops, and has published numerous anthologies of poetry and prose for children.