The annual Poetry Picnic to celebrate National Poetry Day was held in the library on Thursday 8th October at lunchtime. We are now in the 7th year of running this event. It was a well attended event with over 50 pupils and 4 staff being present. It took the usual format with staff and pupils reading poems from a number of books set out on the table. The group activity involved a book of tongue twisters which we took turns reading from – last one standing won a stationery set. All pupils attending receive a certificate of attendance and those who helped received a commendation. Pens were given to pupils who participated by reading out poems.
Volunteers
Four 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. The rest of the pupil team were given an extended lunch to enable them to help, taking on different roles
including one second year boy who ably wielded a hoover to clear up food debris. A number of staff also popped in during the event.
Associated activities
Poem Writing: There was no formal poetry competition run this year, but several S1 and S2 English classes produced and amazing array of poems which are currently on display in the library.
Heroes & Heroines: 3 S2 English classes, during their library period and for homework produce and A4 information sheet on who the pupils’ hero or heroine is.
Display
The poems and ‘Heroes & Heroine’ posters are on display in the library and English corridor notice board.
Positives
- Involvement of pupils (Responsible citizens; confident individuals; effective contributors!)
- Setting up the event (working as a team)
- Reading the poems
- Raise profile for library
- Promotion of poetry and reading
- Improved social skills for pupils
- Enjoyable and fun
Evaluation
To get feedback from the participants, I placed a flip chart in the library and asked that they write their thoughts on it. Most comments were about the food with few useable comments that can be followed up on.
What did you enjoy about it?
The tongue twister competition.
Food
All of it
Tongue twisters were great. The food was awesome but we could do with more people that will read and not eat all the food. So earn you food by reading and taking part.
It was great fun
What improvements could we make?
Less healthy food
More popcorn
More food and games
