Apologies, due to editorial restraints, this post is being published just after the National Poetry Day 2021 event, which was held on the 7th of October; however, the excellent resources and advise available on their website can still be put to good use and engaging with poetry at any time can have many positive impacts for learning and wellbeing.
The National Poetry day site has an education section with toolkits and KS1 and KS2 lesson plans and activities. The first activity is called Word, Words, Words, Choices, Choices, Choices, and is a guide to identifying “clue” words within poems. Dream Day is a guide to the video lesson created by Simon Mole. Choose a Poem to Speak Out Loud gets children to explore a huge collection of online poetry. We Have a Choice is for older children, at the top end of KS2, and encourages readers to think about marine conservation and recycling. The last two, also aimed at the top end of KS2 are called Which Wild on? and The Choices We Make.
Plazoom is also offering free resources for National Poetry Day 2021:
“Daydreaming a poem, with Michael Rosen – Resource pack + Podcast
Michael Rosen – possibly one of the nation’s most-loved poets and authors – shares some of his best writing tips with listeners, and also talks about his latest collection of poetry, ‘On the Move’, and why the topic of migration is so powerful for him.”
“Finding Your Voice, with Benjamin Zephaniah – Resource Pack + Podcast
Poet, playwright, author, musician and performer Benjamin Zephaniah explains how and why he writes, discusses the historical truth behind his latest novel, Windrush Child, and has some powerful advice for children struggling to find their voice, and make it heard…”
