Poems to Perform: A Classic Collection Chosen by the Children's Laureate (Illustrated Edition)
illustrations by
on Goodreads (179)
What’s inside...
This collection curated by Julia Donaldson features a diverse selection of performance poems that encourage young readers to get involved with poetry through acting, reciting, and interacting. The poems, ranging from classics by Edward Lear and W.H. Auden to contemporary works by Michael Rosen and John Agard, are accompanied by performance notes and ideas from Donaldson, reflecting her belief in the power of performance to boost confidence and enjoyment in reading. The book is beautifully illustrated with expressive lino-cuts, making it a valuable resource for teachers, parents, and children who appreciate great poetry.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which poem did you enjoy the most and why?
How did the illustrations make you feel about the poem?
Can you think of a fun activity that relates to one of the poems?
What emotions do you feel when you read these poems?
If you could write a poem, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express themselves freely without fear of right or wrong answers.
Discuss the illustrations and how they complement the poem, enhancing understanding and appreciation.
Relate the themes or subjects of the poems back to the child’s own experiences, fostering a personal connection.
Read the poems in playful and dramatic ways to make the reading session fun and engaging.
Praise their insights and thoughts to boost their confidence in expressing their ideas about literature.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Confidence through Expression
Explanation: The collection of poems encourages children to perform and express themselves. The act of reading aloud and performing helps in building confidence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by participating in school recitals or family gatherings, where they can practice public speaking and self-expression.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Rhythm and Rhyme
Explanation: Julia Donaldson's selection includes poems with distinct rhythms and rhymes that enhance phonemic awareness.
Real-World Application: This can help children in their reading fluency and musicality, which can be practiced through singing songs or creating their own rhymes.
Example Lesson: Understanding of Diverse Emotions
Explanation: The poems explore a range of emotions, allowing children to understand and empathize with different feelings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and articulate their emotions, aiding in their emotional development and interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The anthology features poems from various cultures, giving children exposure to global perspectives.
Real-World Application: This global awareness can be deepened by participating in cultural events and learning about traditions different from their own.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Performing poetry stimulates creative thinking and imagination as children visualize and interpret the content.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in creative activities like drawing, storytelling, or dramatizing scenarios inspired by the poems they read.