Sessions offered to year 4, 5 and 6 pupils (KS2) on writing and creating humorous poems.

Diana Moore says:

Hello, I'm a comedy writer and poet. My plays have been produced in Oxfordshire theatres and schools and my poetry performed, published and aired on local and national radio. Now and again I win a prize.

My poetry sessions are suited to ages 8 to 11 years (Key Stage 2). A class size is ideal but I can work with up to 60 children in one sitting. Duration is one hour per class.

• A little bit about me and how I started out in writing, aged nine.
• I read some of my poems and interact with the class on where ideas come from, and what makes something funny.
• Children are invited to help with the readings and actions and there is opportunity for questions.
• Visuals - there are many colourful slides to accompany poems.
• Links to other poets (for content and style).
• A range of language is used to suit ages 8 to 11 years along with the varying levels of ability.
• Time for the class to have a go at writing a poem. This can be done independently or in small groups.
• There is an option on captioning pictures.
• Sharing work. Lots of interesting ideas emerge from the sessions, some of which will be suited to the school curriculum. I like to encourage the children to relax and enjoy writing rather than fretting about what should come out. I find they are keen to participate and enjoy sharing their work.

You will see some comments from teachers below. If you have any questions or would like to see samples of my work, please contact me on 01865 358640.

I look forward to working with your class.

• SS Philip and James School Oxford
  "The children thoroughly enjoyed the session and the teachers thought it was fantastic. They also said that every child had a go at the writing part and that in the past it has been hard to motivate some of them. Well done!"
• St Andrew's School Headington, Oxford
  "A wonderful set of poems and ideas that really worked. The resulting children's work will be used for part of their curriculum."
• Marsh Baldon School, Oxford
  "Children were engaged with the activity and enjoyed the poems. A good range of poems and styles. Open activity enabled different levels of learning ability"
• Appleton Primary School
  "Lovely for the children to hear original work; Very stimulating; good interaction. Relevant to age groups. Children enjoyed the session and opportunity to write their own poems."

School Christmas play

• Beckley Primary School, Oxford
  'A Journey Through the Millennium' - Four playlets; rhyming links for 'time travellers' and music: from a Beatles medley to Elizabethan madrigal. The play took the children on a journey from the year 2000 back to when Christ was born. Feedback was extremely positive, with many parents praising the humour, and delighted that so many pupils were able to have a chance to act.
  'A refreshing change from the usual Christmas nativity'

To arrange a session at your school and to find out more, please contact Diana.