Espresso teams with Barrow Learning Partnership to promote poetry and creativity in primary schools
June 2003
Fridge
magnets and concrete mixers are the unlikely tools helping children get their
creativity flowing, in the latest addition to Espresso's range of inventive
resources for classroom use.
'Poetry Workshop' uses a wide variety of devices, including original multimedia and video, to demonstrate a wide range of poetical forms and stimuli. Video was produced in Barrow-in-Furness, using the area's industrial and natural landscapes as a source of inspiration for new poems written by children and adult poets.
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'Poetry Workshop' is the latest addition to the growing literacy resources within the Espresso for Primary schools service and covers five sections: Ideas for poems, the Writing Process, Library (including an anthology and vocabulary), Performance, and Meet the Poets. While the "backdrop" of the module is Barrow, it is certainly relevant for use in schools and classrooms all over the U.K.
In a time when schools are striving to promote creativity especially related to ICT, this module delivers a highly interactive approach to poetry. 'Poetry Workshop':
- Encourages pupils to look around at their surroundings, talk to people, and explore historical places for inspiration. Video footage includes Furness Abbey, and Dove Cottage, with Wordsworth Trust and Age Concern volunteers discussing memories of Barrow almost a century ago.
- Brings pupils through the creative writing process of observing and reflecting, making decisions, and drafting.
- Provides personal perspectives and writing tips by professional poets Jack Mapanje and Dickon Abbot.
- Incorporates peer review and performance as important social exercises.
In addition to the videos there are new multimedia activities, quizzes and games designed to reinforce concepts, test vocabulary and encourage practice. An Espresso "Fridge Magnet" activity allows pupils use "magnetic words" to make poetry online with Theme Words, Key Words, and Blank Words. "Concrete Poetry" allows children to place word tiles on a picture, and to spin and move them to reflect the shape of the poem they're writing. Downloadable photographs, printable 'Things To Do' sheets for use away from the computer, and carefully researched cached websites and news stories complete the comprehensive poetry resource bank within the module. Because it is practical and flexible in its design, the module can be used in either whole class, individual student work or a combination of both. There is also a 'Staffroom' where teachers can find lesson plans and guidance on how 'Poetry Workshop' supports the poetry curriculum within National Literacy Strategy for KS2.
The Poetry Workshop module is the result of a collaboration between Barrow Community Learning Partnership, teachers and children in Barrow, Age Concern Barrow and District, The Wordsworth Trust, poets and Espresso Education. In addition to supporting the National Literacy Strategy for KS2, the video-rich teaching & learning resources are designed to inspire pupils all over the U.K. to unleash the poets within themselves.
Mason Minnitt, Director, Barrow Community Learning Project (BCLP) commented:
The project has been a wonderful opportunity for students and teachers in Barrow to develop their gifts and talents in partnership with our excellent visiting poets Jack Mapanje and Dickon Abbott. The diversity of stimuli - including examples of our spiritual, industrial and literary heritage - creates a rich learning resource. The active involvement of Age Concern volunteers adds an important multigenerational dimension. We believe that this is a resource that will actively involve children at Key Stage Two - and provide a wealth of ideas for any teacher concerned with bringing creativity and fun back into challenging and worthwhile learning.
Mike Spooner, Senior Producer, Espresso Education, said:
This project was quite an undertaking and we are indebted to the organisations who came together to help develop it. The result is a comprehensive 'Poetry Workshop' that is grounded in the curriculum and will provide opportunities for children to develop their creativity and skills of observation and self-reflection.
For further press information or paper versions of this release please contact:
Espresso Marketing, Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith, W6 9RL
Tel: +44(0)20 8237 1200
Fax: +44(0)20 8237 1201
Email: info@espresso.co.uk
