Poems to Perform: A Classic Collection Chosen by the Children's Laureate
What’s inside...
A vibrant collection of poems curated by Julia Donaldson, designed for performance by two or more voices, with a focus on engaging children. The book includes a mix of classic and contemporary poems by notable poets such as Edward Lear, W H Auden, and Michael Rosen. Donaldson provides notes and ideas for performing the poems, drawing on her own experiences working with children to bring literature to life. The book is richly illustrated with lino-cuts and is aimed at teachers, parents, and anyone with an appreciation for 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 do you think the characters in the poems feel?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as a character from one of the poems?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar emotions to those described in any of the poems?
If you could ask the author, Julia Donaldson, one question about the book, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices to mimic the emotions and actions in the poems, making the reading session lively and entertaining.
Encourage your child to visualize and describe the scenes from the poems, enhancing their imagination and comprehension skills.
After reading each poem, pause to discuss the feelings and thoughts it provokes, promoting empathy and emotional intelligence.
Create a fun activity where your child picks their favorite poem and acts it out, either through drawing or a small performance.
Connect the themes or moral lessons of the poems to real-life experiences of your child to make the content more relatable and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expression and Performance
Explanation: Through various poems selected by Julia Donaldson, children are exposed to the art of expression and performance, accentuating the importance of voice modulation and gestures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills during school presentations or any storytelling sessions, enhancing their public speaking and communication abilities.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: This collection features poems from various cultures, providing children with a broader understanding of global cultures and traditions.
Real-World Application: This exposure helps children appreciate diversity and promotes inclusivity in their everyday interactions with peers from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The eclectic mix of poems encourages children to think creatively and imaginatively, offering new perspectives and ideas.
Real-World Application: This can foster creative thinking in problem-solving or project work in school, allowing children to approach tasks with unique solutions.
Example Lesson: Rhythmic and Phonetic Awareness
Explanation: Poems in this collection often play with rhyme and rhythm, aiding in the development of phonetic awareness and an appreciation for language sounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson can support early reading skills, helping children decode words and sounds more effectively.