Whether the idea of teaching poetry has you at a loss or you’re simply looking to change your lesson plans up a bit, Bloomsbury’s new title 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Poetry by Adam Bushnell and Frankie O’Reilly could be a valuable addition to your CPD collection.  Their new title book includes quick and easy ideas for poetry lessons, including how to create a poetry-friendly classroom, interpreting poetry, writing structured poems, performance poetry and many more. The ideas are cross-curricular ideas meaning poetry is not limited to English lessons.

Adam and Frankie very kindly answered some questions for us about their journeys into poetry, why they love it and how children and teachers who are hesitant about poetry might proceed…

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What’s a poem you love that showcases emotion?

One powerful example is “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou. It captures resilience, strength and pride in a way that feels both personal and universal.

But, on a more silly note; I adore Dave Ward’s ‘The Cake That Makes You Scream’. It’s the perfect performance poem and can be used in so many different ways.

What’s the biggest misconception about poetry?

That poetry has to be serious, clever or complicated. In reality, poetry can be funny, messy, loud, short, silly, emotional and playful. It doesn’t need to rhyme. It doesn’t need rules. It just needs a voice.

Why do you love poetry?

Before I became a full time, published author I took a creative writing course and my tutor recommended I write poetry. It wasn’t something I’d written a lot of before then. I love it because poetry says a lot with very little. If you can talk, imagine or feel then you can write poetry.

What’s a poem you love that really showcases how much emotion poetry can demonstrate?

Adam has stolen my thoughts exactly — Still I Rise is extraordinary for the emotion it evokes but I Miss You by A. F. Harrold gets me every time too! I particularly love punk poetry and I’m a big fan of John Cooper Clarke, whose work proves that poetry can be sharp, funny, rebellious and deeply moving all at once.

What’s the biggest misconception about poetry?

That it’s “high-brow”, always serious, or that only certain people “get it”. Poetry is for everyone — it can be playful, silly, dark, loud, tender or absurd.

Why do you love it?

It’s free therapy! Poetry helps clarify thoughts as much as it expresses them — it allows you to make sense of feelings that you might not have the exact language for.

Poetry is often more enjoyable than children expect. What would you say to those unsure if poetry is for them?

I don’t know a primary-aged child who doesn’t love being read a good story, so narrative poetry is always a brilliant way in. Spooky poems are another favourite — something like The Listeners by Walter de la Mare instantly hooks attention. After all, who doesn’t love a good ghost story?

What would you suggest to teachers who feel hesitant about teaching poetry?

Poetry can be incredibly liberating to teach — it’s like breaking all the rules! For reluctant writers especially, poetry offers freedom and a chance to shine. Let children be silly, creative, and performative. Giving children’s writing a real purpose and a real audience — whether it be a school newsletter, an exhibition, a competition – is so important. When poetry feels meaningful, confidence and enjoyment follows.

What is the potential of poetry?

To paraphrase Albus Dumbledore: words are our most inexhaustible source of magic — capable of inflicting injury and of remedying it. Poetry harnesses that magic in its purest form. I love the idea of prescription poetry – and we look at that idea further in the book.

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Many thanks to Adam and Frankie for sharing their poetry insight.  Their book for primary teachers 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Poetry publishes in April and might be just what you need to keep poetry flowing long past World Poetry Day!  You can read more about their book and pre-order it using the link below.