Perform-a-Poem
Perform-a-Poem is a terrific concept. Children perform their own poems, which are put onto a video and safely uploaded on to the web site. All you have to do is stand back and watch the performance.
Michael Rosen launched Perform-a Poem on 3rd November at the National Theatre. He wanted to create a website where it was easy for children to upload their own videos and to browse other children’s poetry.
A fantastic concept and I guess its going to grow and grow. There’s a whole host of poems that are out of copyright, such as Edward Lear and the Book of Nonsense. And you will be able to find the poem that matches your feelings, and make it come alive.
A Michael Rosen quote from the website;
“Poetry is the sound of words in your ears, it’s the look of poets in motion and that can be you. Make your poems sing, whisper, shout and float. Let the words make the rhythm and give the viewers a buzz to see you.”
It has started with support from Booktrust and the London Grid for Learning and is available across the capital. But it can be hosted by other UK learning grids.
This is a web site for sharing and for children, teachers and parents to get involved in. Would be great for some Christmas poems?
Dolphin Booksellers supporting great books for children.
Filed under Uncategorized | Tags: booktrust, children's laureate, dolphin booksellers, michael rosen, poetry | Comment (0)What is Children’s Poetry For?
The title of the 2009 Phillipa Pearce Memorial Lecture, given by Michael Rosen and introduced by Morag Styles. The lecture was presented to a packed audience at Homerton College in Cambridge on 10th September.
As always Michael Rosen is great to listen to, a captivating speaker and lots of information. These notes highlight some of the evening.
Poetry can be seen as a speaking picture. It helps meaning to become clear without us knowing how. It provides insight into emotions. It is memorable and enters our value judgement. It encapsulates wisdom with action. It brings together ideas and feelings.
Poetry exists more like the mortar than the bricks. It is the glue in between.
Michael presented much of the talk based on work by Sir Phillip Sidney, 1595 ‘An Apologie for Poetry’,or rather defence of poetry. Even then he was defending the way poetry was associated with playing and jesting.
But for children and poetry, it is no wonder they go together so well. Rhyme, verse, patterns, what better way to learn from the start about words and meaning. It’s about playing with words, hearing words when you don’t know the meaning, putting them in context.
And making sense of what you hear- children do it all the time!
Keep visiting Dolphin Booksellers, we are going to be adding more information this autumn.
Filed under Uncategorized | Tags: dolphin booksellers, homerton college, michael rosen, phillipa pearce, poetry | Comment (0)Children’s Laureate 2009- 2011
Anthony Browne, illustrator is the new Children’s Laureate for 2009- 2011.
Famous for many of his books, he is a brilliant choice and at Dolphin Books we send our congratulations.
It was fantastic to be present at the announcement and to feel part of the real uniqueness that the Children’s Laureateship brings to the future of children’s books for all our children.
Great to hear Anthony so enthusiastic about Picture Books, ” They’re special, perfect for sharing,. There’s a gap between pictures and words and they encourage a way of looking. They are for everyone, not just for younger children.”
His own picture books are certainly that, try Willy the Wimp or Gorilla. (…links to books below).
More details on the event and the speeches that were made will be added to the Dolphin site soon.
You can visit the home page of Dolphin Booksellers. Bringing information about the best in children’s books direct to you. Working with authors and illustrators in school book events and supporting literacy projects in a community nearby.
Amazon link for Anthony Browne
Amazon link for Willy the Wimp
Filed under Book events, Featured authors, Featured children's book, Featured illustrators | Tags: anthony browne, booktrust, children's book illustrators, children's laureate, michael rosen, picture books | Comment (0)