Date: 25/06/2008 Category: Learning and Achievement
Rhyming couplets and limericks filled the air as pupils and teachers celebrated the power of poetry. Bligh Junior School in Strood hosted an event last Friday, 20 June, which focused on the ability of teachers to inspire children to listen to, enjoy and create their own poetry. The nature of teachers’ work means they often have little chance to read for pleasure, and the project encouraged them to find time to enjoy poetry. They then shared what they had discovered with children, igniting the youngsters’ interest. Through the project, pupils from five Medway schools have developed their knowledge of poets and poems, using the various works to inspire their own music, art, and dance. Teachers have commented that the initiative has prompted children to share poetry they have brought in from home, and how they have begun to relish listening to poems. It is part of a national the research project, Teachers as Readers - Building Communities of Readers. Medway is one of five local authorities taking part, and some of the work will be displayed in local libraries. The project is overseen by the United Kingdom Literacy Association and Esmee Fairburn Foundation. Medway Literacy Consultants, Canterbury Christ Church University College and Medway’s Children’s Librarian have supported the project by providing resources for teachers and pupils.