Workshops in Schools using The Discovering Poetry Project
The Discovering Poetry project has been successfully used as a tool for running workshops in schools and community groups, with cross curriculum benefits including creative writing, art, performance, observation and literacy. The workshops can be conducted as part of larger themed projects focusing on the environment, the local area, recycling or scenes from history and are targeted at Primary 3-7.
The workshops are intended to provide hands on assistance to those responsible for teaching poetry in schools and community groups. For more information and to book please contact Neil on 01764 652453 or email neilthomson@ntdesign.co.uk
Workshops using the Discovering Poetry Project
Workshop format
This is a proposed format and has been included as a guide. I am happy to structure the format around individual school's requirements.
Stage 1
Setup and Introduction to the teacher and class. The Program can be accessed from the internet so it is helpful to have computer access during the workshop. If there is no access to the internet it is possible to load the program onto the computers provided.
It is beneficial to have a computer per pupil but this is not essential as the children can share computers or be split into groups. It should be noted that though beneficial it is not essential to have the computer access. The worksheets can be used in a stand alone basis to conduct workshops.
Stage 2
Children interact with the program on the computer browsing through various habitats and exploring the concept of the '5 senses'.
Stage 3
Use of printed worksheets and 'items of choice' from the real world including items I provide such as birds feathers, crab claws, seashells, fishbones etc. There is also an option provided to access a generic worksheet. In this case the children could be given prior notice to bring in items of their choice to the workshop. This approach is useful if the workshop forms part of a broader themed project. See example worksheet 1.
Stage 4
Presentation of poems to the group. Discussion time. Stages 3&4 also include the drawing and colouring in of worksheets. See attached example worksheet 2 .
Recommended times.
Minimum two hours, maximum 4/5 hrs for each class.
Digital copies of the Program, copies of the printed worksheets and various 'real world' items are provided.
Example worksheets produced at workshops

See the results! Below are examples of completed worksheets produced during workshop sessions.

Deer worksheets 1 & 2 Crab worksheets 1 & 2 Seashell worksheets 1 & 2

Graphic Art

Neil bring his skills as a graphic artist to the workshops . More information on this can be found at www.neilsart.co.uk
The Discovering Poetry Project, Rosmaris, Murray Place, Crieff, PH7 3DF Tel: 01764652453 Email: info@ntdesign.co.uk

Copyright Neil Thomson 2004

The Discovering Poetry project is Glow approved! Find it in the National Literacy & English resources section of the world first National Intranet for learning.Click on the Glow logo to access the portal. Please note you will need your username and password to access.