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Create a poetry-friendly classroom

As part of his Laureateship, Michael Rosen offered brilliant advice on bringing poetry to life at school – and encouraged everyone to try putting words together and having fun.

An introduction

Michael’s tips

Tips from teachers

Teachers discuss their experiences of inspiring pupils to read, perform and write poetry in the classroom. With thanks to Dollie Smith of Belleville Primary.

Poetry booklists

  • Poetry books for the Poetry Friendly Classroom

    Take a look at some of our favourite children’s poetry books – perfect for use in the poetry-friendly classroom. From Roald Dahl’s classic Revolting Rhymes to fantastic novels in verse, these books are guaranteed to promote a love of poetry.

    • Poetry and rhyme
  • An illustration of a child in a coat cuddling a panda soft toy, from the front cover of A Great Big Cuddle

    Our favourite poetry books (younger children)

    From re-invented fairy tales to classics from Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, here are some poetry books your child is sure to love and want to read out loud.

    • 5 to 9 years 
    • Poetry and rhyme
  • An illustration of a child surrounded by buildings, looking up into the sky at some birds, from the front cover of This Is Not A Small Voice

    Our favourite poetry books (older children)

    Poetry can be great to broaden reading horizons, as well as truly engaging for reluctant readers. Here are some poetry books your child is sure to love and want to read out loud.

    • 9 to 14 years 
    • Poetry and rhyme

  • Our favourite poetry books for teens

    Check out our favourite poetry books and verse novels for teenagers. Poetry can be great to broaden reading horizons, as well as truly engaging for reluctant readers. Here are some poetry books your teenager is sure to love and want to read out loud.

    • 11 to 14 years 
    • Poetry and rhyme