Poetry Emotion

From The Good Bookstall - June 2012 This is an excellent little collection of 50 original poems to be used in a classroom or school setting that address a wide range of themes and issues from everyday life and emotions to slightly more topical issues like disability, being on benefits and bullying. The poems really are excellent (my personal favourites are Zoo Trip and Friend in Need) and the teachers guidance notes that go with them really help to contextualise the situation and subjects with which these poems can be used. An excellent tool for a hard pressed teacher who wants something short but interesting to use for assembly, worship or even in PHSE or other subjects lessons. Some of the poems in here would also work really well for a range of outside school activities and youth & children's leaders and even ministers would not go too far amiss with using this book either. Reviewed by Melanie Carroll
From The Church Times - June 2012 Top of the list, on the basis of entertainment alone, would be Poetry Emotion, by Stewart Henderson. What Michael Morpurgo has done for children's fiction, Henderson has done for poetry. As a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, the writer has something of a national reputation. His poems are simple, unintimidating to children, and characterised by a delightful, icono clastic sense of humour. Teachers, granddads, best friends, and even enemies are teased, but always gently. Inspired by a previous volume of his, one of my students began his poem on his goldfish "Hail to thee, wet pet!" The style is recognisably Henderson's. At the heart of this book is compassion for those who find life hard and challenging. Adolescents, take note, and take heart. This slim volume may well be just the tonic you need to get through another tricky day. And he knows that Converse All Stars are shoes, even if your dad doesn't.
From REtoday - Spring 2013 This book, intended for use with children aged 7-11, contains poems on a variety of themes linked to social and emotional values. The first theme is entitled 'Barnabas RE Day Themes', taking up about a third of the book. These are followed by what are called 'General Themes' and 'Emotional Skills'. The poems in the first section would not, however, be limited to use in RE lessons, collective worship or a Barnabas RE Day, as it contains poems such as 'I've Got to Look Right', a poem about the perceived importance of fitting in and how this feels when not being true to oneself. This is surely a theme which is as relevant to PSHCE as RE. Each section is split into topics. In 'Barnabas RE Day Themes' these include 'Whose world?', and 'What's so special about the Bible?' The 'General Themes' include 'Going for goals!' and 'Saying "no" to bullying'. 'Emotional Skills' include 'Self-awareness' and 'Motivation'. A general introduction to each theme explains the personal skills the poems are designed to help develop, while a more specific introduction to each topic gives some background to the poems and suggestions for their use. Stewart Henderson makes it clear that the teacher will know how best to use each poem with any particular set of children and their particular context. There are poems about the death of a pet, visits, school life and friendship - themes which the majority of children will relate to. There are also poems on the things adults say that don't quite make sense to children - these may cause reflection from the teacher as much as the children! The range of poems in this book could be used in a variety of contexts. It would make a valuable addition to any KS2 teacher's bookshelf.