Off the wall, but the results were amazing
Poetry and music shocked and awed children to get their creative juices flowing.
Poet and guitar player James Carter spent a day at Elson Junior School in Gosport for a creative writing workshop.
The 49-year-old showed his unique style and some children were initially a bit startled when he launched straight into song, singing funny poems before holding up a prompt card calling on them to Please Clap at various points through his routine.
But after a few minutes the Year 5 and 6 pupils got used to him and later thoroughly enjoyed his Fairytale Rap.
The group of 34 pupils wrote poetry in the shape of animals or followed a pattern such as 'Mercury is not what it seems, Mercury is not a horse'.
Mr Carter followed in the footsteps of poet Brian Moses who visited Elson Juniors last year to promote writing and give literacy a boost.
Mr Carter's musical style and guitar playing started at the age of 15 when he first started writing songs. He has played in all kinds of bands for many years but he didn't start writing and publishing poems until the age of 37.
Mr Carter is a critically-acclaimed poet who has a degree in primary education – which makes him perfect to lead poetry workshops in schools.
Year 3 teacher Leigh Caws said he had quite an impact on the children.
She said: 'When he first came in he was quite off the wall. His approach was extremely unusual. He just started playing his guitar and singing.
'The children were a little bit gobsmacked initially but then they got used to him and thoroughly enjoyed it.
'Hopefully it will make them realise they can write quite creatively. The methods he used brought success. With a little bit of effort and using his structures the children realised how creative they are.'
Elson Junior pupils were also joined by their peers from other Gosport schools such as Brockhurst Juniors, Leesland Juniors, St Mary's Catholic Primary, Holbrook Primary and Woodcot Primary.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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