Engaging Children in the Art of Poetry Writing

I have been a primary school teacher for the past twenty-five years. I began my teaching career teaching 7 - 11 year olds in a large London multicultural primary school, where I soon took on the role of English Co-ordinator. I later taught English and Art in a Suffolk Middle School and currently teach English part-time in three Suffolk primary schools.

I am passionate about teaching poetry as it allows children to truly express their feelings and ideas with confidence. Moreover, it is fun and accessible to all - and often reveals hidden talents which may otherwise have lain dormant.

1994: PGCE (University of London) 1992: Literature and History BA (hons) 2:1

I graduated from Staffordshire University (England) with a 2:1 in Literature and History in 1992. I then studied for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of London in 1994 where I specialized in children's literature and primary education.

One of the highlights of my teaching career involved working with celebrated authors and poets such as Michael Rosen, Jacqueline Wilson and Brian Patten as I was able to invite them to our school for Book Weeks. I currently live in an old Georgian pub in rural Suffolk, England with my cockerel, four hens, springador, two children - and husband.