Poetry Picnic
The annual Poetry Picnic was held in the library on Thursday 9th October at lunchtime. We are now in the 6th year of running this event. It was a well attended event with over 40 pupils and staff being present. This event has become one of the high profile annual activities in the library and pupils now ask about it even before it is publicised.
It took the usual format with staff and pupils reading poems from a number of books set out on the table. Unusually this time, I managed to find a group poem which all could take part it called The Song of the Homeworkers. This proved to be incredibly popular and was recited several times during the session, steadily getting louder and louder.
All pupils attending recived a certificate of attendance and those who helped out or read poems also received a commendation.
Volunteers
Some of the pupil librarians were released from class at 12:00pm to help set up the event. This was very helpful and thanks must go to teaching staff for releasing them from class as without their help I could not have set it up as efficiently. The pupil librarians also managed the distribution of food, the register of attendees and some of the photography.
Staff Input
This year a number of teaching and non-teaching staff submitted their favourite poems along with a comment. This resulted in an expansive display featuring some classic and not so well known poems.
Evaluation
To get feedback from the participants, a flip chart was placed in the library and participants asked that they write their thoughts on it. Most comments were about the food!
What did you enjoy about it?
“The food and ‘Disgusting Poems’.”
“The poems and the snacks.”
“The food and loud poem.”
“It was good.”
“Ace.”
“Nice to see so m any children involved and obviously enjoying the poems, company, food (of course) and the experience.”
“I liked the poem about homework.”
What improvements could we make?
“Have readings all day.” – Would need to have more staff involvement and more different activities
“Have it more often.”
“Make it longer.” – Certainly felt like the momentum would have kept going this year
“More food.” (a common theme!) – There was more than enough food. FS provides it and asks for donations to contribute towards costs.
“All day.”
“Just 40 mins.”
Suggestions / ideas for other events (or next year’s Poetry Day)
“Halloween party and reading.”
“Christmas reading.”
“Easter”
“Whole day food eating /reading / gaming.”
“Spooky poems and Halloween party”
“More food”
“Have in dinner hall”
“Murder in the library – Cluedo idea. Christmas traditions in other countries.”
