Product reviews for Teaching Poetry in the Primary Classroom

I have sploshed many a damp mile with the author of this book, seeking precious jet on Yorkshire shores. Also ancient ammonites on bracing beaches and shin-crack rocks. Together we have sipped amber ales in evening hostelries and competed fiercely for the wildest and funniest tales of infant class or irate governor. Darren's trousers, headless donkeys or of course, the Ofsted lady and the papier mache accident. Personally, 1 recall with pride being the regular winner of the largest lump of jet award, the finest ammonite and just occasionally, the funniest school assembly or dinner lady story.

I must, however, admit to being an all time runner up when it comes to the -˜teaching of poetry in the classroom' event. For teaching poetry with class 3 Mr Phinn gets the gold medal, podium man. Well done Gervase! 1 found Teaching Poetry in the Primary School hugely readable and just the sort of book that every teacher should take with them on their next trip to the Yorkshire Dales or N.U.T. coach tour. Tons of ideas, plus plentiful laughs and gentle tears.

And MOST IMPORTANTLY OF ALL, guess what? I have not found an ounce, gram or fairy thimbleful of National Curriculum wordage creeping into the text. There are no cringingly awful and off-putting page headings blazoning AIMS AND TARGETS, OBJECTIVES OR ASSESSMENTS. No nasty literacy hour headings or infringements to besmirch the pure pleasure of poetry reading and writing.

Nothing to weary the spirit of simply enjoying a poem, and learning how to write a poem for the joy of doing so. Nothing more. So follow the rhyme, enjoy the read. Buy the book and get a pen. Have a go! And take the children with you. This book is for every child in every home or school, dog in kennel or ant in hill. It is for you. It is for word, jet and fossil hunters. Everywhere.