We have already reported to you how poetry is used to foster inter-cultural understanding, boost creativity and dramatically increase confidence in pupils’ use of English in multilingual primary schools. Here’s a chance for teachers and librarians to learn more about it thanks to MMU Writing School’s forthcoming one day conference: Poetry in the Multilingual Classroom, taking place on Thursday evening, 17th January from 5–8pm, in Manchester.

There will be presentations of models for successful projects; discussion with teachers, pupils and parents exploring the challenges schools face; sessions on reading, writing and performing poetry; chance for teachers to leave with concrete ideas, skills and resources relevant to those teaching all subjects at all Key Stages. Specific sessions include:

Reading poetry in multilingual classrooms/translation for all: building confidence in sharing poetry in classrooms, at all language levels.

- Finding poetry in the classroom. Poet Mandy Coe helps teachers draw poetry out of children and themselves.

- Poetry in performance. Shirley May, founder of spoken word collective Young Identity, share ideas and techniques for taking poetry from page to performance.

- The Manchester Mushaira: food poetry. Poet and playwright Anjum Malik explains what a mushaira is and how to run one in your school, with ideas for writing food poetry.

- Science and Poetry: Poet and Scientist Sam Illingworth has used poetry to explore scientific concepts for a number of years and will send teachers away inspired to do the same. 

Places are limited and must be booked ahead. More information and to book.