Kate Williams

Hi, here’s today’s Teach Poetry idea:

Use a poem from a children’s poetry book as a frame or starting point.

Today I’m unveiling the cover of my upcoming poetry book – Squeak! Squawk! Roar! –
so naturally I’ve chosen it as my example book here! But of course, there are zillions of others to choose from, including anthologies with all sorts of poems, styles and themes, presented by a range of poets.

Choosing your poem

This example book is all about animals, though it contains a wealth of different writing styles, moods, techniques and starter lines. Whatever book you refer to, look for a poem with a clear format and appealing theme, but one with scope for branching out from or embellishing.

Set your frame

You might present the whole poem – if very short, and invite variations, or you could fill in alternate lines (rhyming ones if it features rhyme), or blank out different words on each line, or just present the first verse. The simplest way could be to present the first line over and again for repeat verses with echoing first lines. This last approach will generate a sense of swing and pattern which children will be pleased to embrace. If in doubt, try different arrangements on different poetry-writing days.

Literary appreciation

In the process of adopting a poet’s format, the children will also become aware of the writer and their style – a great way to build literary knowledge.

Kate

Squeak! Squawk! Roar! Amazing Animal Poems will be published on 9th January, ’25. Available to pre-order at all main bookshops and online stores, e.g. Amazon, with lowest price guarantee.

It’s the SQUAWK of the town!