well versed
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A renewed appreciation of language
Primary school teacher Anne Dauber talks about a renewed appreciation of language.
I have started to think much more consciously about words-all sorts of words. These thoughts come to me throughout the day-whether I am driving my car, walking the dogs or teaching in the classroom. I mull over the word/s and think about their sound, whether I like it or not and the sort of feeling that the word conveys to me. I decided that I ‘needed’ more words and have even started reading a dictionary in bed ! (very sad I know)
Quite often I arrive at the course feeling somewhat drained from the day at school, but always leave feeling invigorated and inspired. It was suggested to us that we need to ‘slow down’ in order to prepare ourselves for writing & thinking about writing effectively and it is wonderful to be guided through this process. I am often surprised at my own efforts (pleasantly) & this encourages me to develop my writing when I get home.
Welcome to Well Versed
The Well Versed project has provided teachers with the opportunity to work alongside professional poets to gain a better understanding of the process of teaching, reading, writing and performing poetry in schools. The project has been delivered across the North East, the East of England and the West Midlands.
Launched on National Poetry Day 2010, the programme, led by CCE, in partnership with the literature development agencies New Writing North, Writers’ Centre Norwich, and Writing West Midlands the project has set out to find ways to transform the way children experience poetry in school.
In November 2011, a seminar was held at London Symphony Orchestra, St Luke’s, bringing in a range of voices from the literature and the education sector to examine what a future offer might look like, proposing a greater emphasis on creative writing and literature in schools, along with appropriate provision and support outside schools, as essential to reach more children and young people.
Former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion, who is supporting Well Versed, commented: “A revitalised experience of poetry in schools and beyond will allow poetry to become better connected with what it reflects – which is life itself.”
Paul Collard, Chief Executive of Creativity, Culture and Education (CCE), said: “Poetry has a central role to play in school. The intrinsic value of introducing children and young people to an art form they can easily and pleasurably explore for the rest of their lives, is balanced by the impact that an introduction to poetry can have on developing their reading, writing and language skills, so central to their success as adults. But these benefits are only derived if the quality of the teaching of poetry is good. Well Versed has explored how working directly with poets can improve the capacity of teachers to work effectively with poetry in the classroom and I am delighted that the evidence suggests it has had a measurable and sustainable impact.”
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