A Poem for Every Day of the Year

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I listened to this as an audio book I had borrowed from the library and would listen to a few poems each day. Similar to what I am doing with Year of Wonder: Classical Music for Every Day. I found it was a great way to stop and reflect for a few minutes each day. There is something about listening to poetry read out loud that brings it to life. Nature walk – what sort of things did we hear about in the poems? Will we see them when we go outside? What might we find? April – Voices of Water – Tony Milton – I would use this poem to explore water and the sounds associated to water. The class could make their own music to accompany the poem with instruments or body percussion, such as creating a soundscape. May – May – John Updike – This poem was enjoyable through its use of the word ‘may’ in the context of might rather than the name of the month. The children could use this poem as inspiration to write their own version using the word ‘may’ or to explore other words that have dual meanings in the English language.

I think if this were to be used in a school setting, it would be a gentle and fun reading session for children to be introduced to older poets, and get a sense of appreciation for nature. September – Acorn haiku – Kim Wright - This poem could be used as part of a science/geography lesson exploring the local habitat and identification of different types of tree. Additionally, used to support writing their own versions of a haiku. This useful anthology is aimed at children but I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy it. The target audience ensures accessibility as well as a satisfying blend of light and shade, while Esiri's introduction is a model of economyand enthusiasm. She offers poetry for the small things in life, the every day, and I can't think of anything more life enhancing than opening this book each evening to sweeten the passage of time. -- Bel Mooney The Daily MailDecember – Red Sky at Night – I would use this poem to explore the English language, different cultures and explore old sayings that have been passed down throughout generations. The children could choose a topic and create their own sayings to go with them. Particular favourites of mine included Love's Philosophy by Percy Shelley, The Buddha by Tony Mitton and the very famous The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. There's also an excellent extract from Shakespeare's The Tempest, which in itself is a play of pure poetry. As such the poems are rich in diversity and carry with them varying degrees of complexity. Although published by Macmillan Children's Books, I think this collection is more suited to an adult reader. There are, certainly, poems in here that a young reader may enjoy, but I think an adult would get more out of poems that deal with larger issues such as love, death and life.

May – On May Day – Anonymous – As with previous poems this could be used to explore the history of annual events, such as May day. Additionally, it could be used to create their own music to accompany this poem or read it alongside a dance that they have created themselves. The children could also create their own poem describing their thoughts on May day and the activities/ characteristic of the day.I could not love A Poet for Every Day of the Year more. I confess I haven’t read the whole book yet as I am savouring the dated poems and poets each night so that this is a gift of a book that will last me the entire year. However, the format is the same for every day and includes an insightful and accessible potted history of the poet, with reference to social, historical and biographical detail that stirs such an interest in the reader that A Poet for Every Day of the Year provides even more entertainment by acting as a catalyst for further reading and research. For example, when I opened my copy on the day I received it, the poet was John Clare who just happens to have lived three miles from where I am, but there are other poets I’m much less familiar with so I have an introduction that can lead me to discovering more of their work. This adds to the significance and joy in reading A Poet for Every Day of the Year.

January – The Garden Year – Sara Coleridge - I enjoyed how this poem highlighted each month of the year and the changing seasons. I would have the class write their own version, describing what they felt were the key attributes to each month of the year. This could also be used to support the learning of month names (maths) as well as the season, exploring characteristics of seasons both in England and across the world (science/geography). Lots of classics in here and a mix of newer poets also. Some are funny, thoughtful, inspiring, humbling. I won’t say I’ve became a poem lover overnight, but this was a great stepping stone into a world previously unknown. Access-restricted-item true Addeddate 2020-09-22 12:03:32 Associated-names Morgan, Gaby Boxid IA1940808 Camera Sony Alpha-A6300 (Control) Collection_set printdisabled External-identifier Look at the different animals in the book – which animals do you recognise? Think about their habitats and how they liveExploring and comparing the four seasons – What happens during the four seasons? What changes do you notice in nature? How do the seasons affect us and animals? This collection is a mix of poems; some funny, some reflective. Some I had heard before and some I hadn't. I have listed some of my favourites from this listening below but I think if I re-listen at some other time time of year this list might be totally different. I loved this book, particularly the theme of nature and the potential it has to ignite a passion for animals and our natural world in those who read it. I adored the imagery and the overall presentation of the book – it feels special to hold, it makes the poems inside feel special to have, it makes poetry exciting! A story, if well told, can last a lifetime or longer. Brian Pattern’s poem pays homage to great works of children’s literature that continue to give, and live a life of their own.

urn:lcp:readme2poemforev0000unse:epub:d20b122c-4939-4c40-ad59-373bb94aaff0 Foldoutcount 0 Identifier readme2poemforev0000unse Identifier-ark ark:/13960/t5x72vf8r Invoice 1652 Isbn 0330391321 November – Anonymous – As with previous poems on key dates this poem could be used to look at the history of ‘bonfire night’ as well as explore the tradition of fireworks. The children could create their own soundscapes and poems, as well as art to describe and express this event.April – The First of April (extract) – Anonymous – Another fun and upbeat poem that could be used to explore the history of April Fools Day and create their own version of the poem, as well as explore other key dates in history that have become an annual tradition. A Poem For Every Day of the Year is a magnificent collection of 366 poems compiled by Allie Esiri, one to share on every day of the year. These poems are funny, thoughtful, inspiring, humbling, informative, quiet, loud, small, epic, peaceful, energetic, upbeat, motivating, and empowering! Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with all the family, it is bursting at the seams with familiar favourites and exciting new discoveries. T.S.Eliot, John Betjeman, Lewis Carroll, William Shakespeare and Christina Rossetti sit alongside Seamus Heaney, Ted Hughes, Carol Ann Duffy, and Kate Tempest.This soul-enhancing book will keep you company for every day of your life. About This Edition ISBN: Poetry stays with you for life and I'm sure there is a poem here for everyone - lines that will never leave you nor your family. The perfect bedside book for dipping into night after night. Carousel