Michael Rosen's A-Z: The best children's poetry from Agard to Zephaniah
on Goodreads (124)
What’s inside...
This anthology, curated by renowned children's author Michael Rosen, is a vibrant collection of poetry geared towards children. It brings together a diverse range of works by various poets from John Agard to Benjamin Zephaniah, aiming to inspire and engage young readers with the rhythm, rhyme, and creative use of language. The anthology, edited by Michael Rosen during his tenure as Children's Laureate, promotes the importance of children's poetry in education. This collection, poised to become a classic, will delight both young and old readers, making it an ideal gift.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which poem resonated with you the most and why?
How do the different poems make you feel? Can you describe the emotions using your own words?
Can you think of a moment in your life that relates to any of the poems we read?
What new things did you learn from these poems?
If you could write a poem, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Read the poems with enthusiasm and expression. Let your child see and feel the rhythm and emotions of the poetry.
Pause after each poem to discuss its themes and messages, helping your child connect the dots between the words and deeper meanings.
Encourage creativity by asking your child to draw or act out their favorite poem. It helps them visualize and experience the poetry more deeply.
Create a comfortable reading space free from distractions, making the poetry reading a special and focused family activity.
After discussing the poems, take turns sharing personal stories or experiences that relate to the themes explored in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Diversity
Explanation: This anthology features a wide range of voices and styles from different cultures, curated by Michael Rosen. It showcases the rich diversity of human expression and experience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from various backgrounds and cultures, promoting inclusivity in their everyday interactions at school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through poems that delve into different emotions and situations, children are exposed to different perspectives and feelings, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This understanding can help children be more considerate and understanding towards their peers' feelings and viewpoints.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The book’s diverse poetic styles encourage creative thinking and expression, inspiring children to explore their own ways of writing and storytelling.
Real-World Application: Kids can utilize this creativity in school projects, creative writing, or even in solving everyday problems by thinking outside the box.
Example Lesson: Language Skills
Explanation: The variety of vocabulary and poetic techniques used in the book enhance linguistic skills and help in the understanding of complex language structures.
Real-World Application: Improved language skills can aid in better communication, reading comprehension, and academic performance across subjects.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Poetry
Explanation: By presenting poetry in an accessible and engaging way, this book cultivates an appreciation for the art form, highlighting its value and beauty.
Real-World Application: Fostering an interest in poetry can lead to a lifelong love for reading and literature, enhancing cultural literacy and personal expression.