Into the Dragon's Den by Sally Bavage
No, not budding
entrepreneurs but real poets from Ms Ward's year 2 class. Once again, local councillors have funded the LitFest's programme of poetry workshops with local schools and we were able to
commission published poet James Nash to work with the youngsters on the theme
of Dragons.
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| Head Mr Brawley,James Nash, Class 2 teacher Jo Ward |
The excerpts
included some beautiful imagery, some comedy and some heart-felt emotions. A
small selection:
“Teeth as sharp
as a sword blade”
“Ears as pointed
as ice cream cones”
“Tail as long as
a snake”
“Breath that
smells like a burning bonfire”
“My fire smells
like apples”
“I breathe in
the chilly autumn air and breathe it out as flames”
I breathe
burning stars”
and
“I have a dark
side” - a line delivered, to laughs, with all the comic timing of a pro. At six!
One youngster, a
September refugee from Syria who speaks very little English at the moment, took
his turn with the class and persisted until he delivered his lines
correctly. Another young chap has severe
learning problems and rarely speaks. Not
today; he joined his classmates to perform with the microphone. A case of Magic Dragon indeed! (If you can remember Puff – which, as it was
released in 1963 I probably shouldn't confess to remembering this).
As Mr Brawley,
headteacher, said: “This shows the power of poetry to inspire children to use
more sophisticated language and to inspire others in the audience.” The children “so looked forward to the poet's
visits and their confidence has simply soared.
James has drawn out vocabulary that is amazing,” said class assistant
Krissy. Jo Ward, the class 2 teacher,
was so pleased that “the quality of vocabulary was stunning, they all want to
write new poems now and their writing has shown how much more confident they
are.”
Perhaps the last
words should go to the children themselves:
Best thing
about this project was
“working with a real poet” and “making a poem of your own.”
I have
learned “how to write
better” and “making poems is fun.”
It is good to
share your work with other children in the school because “if you were really proud of it, but a
bit shy to show everyone, then performing your work means everyone can be proud
with you.”
Best memory?
“The happiness of making poems.”
And the
happiness will live on as the poems are to be put in a book for the school
library so others can read them. Thanks again to Rachel Harkess from Headingley
LitFest who went in to help with the poetry workshops
Feedback from Parents
Wonderful poems and some fantastic reading
I enjoyed listening to all the children's
poems. They were all really
creative. I think it is som important
for children to enjoy literacy and believe it builds confidence.
The whole school has got so much out of this
assembly. The pride the year 2 class had
in their work was gorgeous to see. Very
proud moment.
Wonderful event – absolutely fantastic.
Brilliantly hosted and presented by James and spring Bank. Well done to the teachers too – Mrs
Ward! Simply brilliant.
It was great to see the children read their
favourite bits of their poems. They were
really inspired by James Nash!
Excellent poetry reading. Great for the kids to have the chance to
speak in public, a great skill to hae.
Fabulous poetry as well!
Great to hear the children doing some
amazing poetry with the poet James Nash.
Really enjoyed performance – impressed with
poems and confidence children showed in performing.
Fantastic presentation of lovely
poetry. Thank you!
A wonderful assembly! Heidi brought home the poem 'Firework the
Friendly Dragon' which the whole family enjoyed. Thank you to James Nash – a wonderful
poet. A brilliant event – more please!!!
Really wonderful event – the kids seemed to
get involved.
Wonderful idea! Great to introduce poetry to kids. Loved it!
Really enjoyed the event. Was so lovely to hear year 2 enjoying poetry.
Lovely to hear the children express
themselves, use a microphone and perform!!
I hope you have many more such events.
Max has really enjoyed working with James in
class to write the poems. Great to be
invited to assembly to hear the poems and see/hear how hard they've been
working. THANK YOU!
PS.
Brilliant delivery in assembly.
Thank you James – wonderful!
It's great to see the enthusiasm of all the
kids towards poetry and words. Always a
treat to come into school and see the kids speak with such confidence.
Funded by your local ward councillors of the Inner North West Community Committee
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