Poetry is such an essential part of the National Curriculum and yet it often does not get the curriculum time it deserves. Although many teachers love teaching poetry, there are also many who find it challenging.
Celebrating National Poetry Day is a great way to kickstart your poetry teaching this year. There is a great toolkit for teachers on their site:
https://nationalpoetryday.co.uk/celebrate-national-poetry-day/
How many of us can still remember a poem they learned by heart at school? Or one that we studied that has stayed with us forever?
One of my favourite poems to teach is The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes – beautifully written and provides a wonderful opportunity to explore more complex vocabulary. I also loved teaching Colonel Fazackerley Butterworth-Toast by Charles Causley – I remember teaching a Y4 class this poem and they learned it by heart.
Another great thing to consider is driving performance poetry – why not give every year group and age-appropriate poem to learn by heart and then have their class teachers record them performing? You could then upload these to your school website to celebrate National Poetry Day!
However you decide to celebrate – put this date in your diary and have fun teaching!
