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REAL POETRY BOOKS FULL OF OUTSTANDING

POEMS FOR CHILDREN 

 

Why not give your pupils the pleasure of reading some brilliant poems from real poetry books? Our key stage 2 poetry anthologies are still available and are brimming with poems that are a joy to read.

 

Attractively illustrated, and presented in a child-friendly way, the books will bring lasting pleasure and delight, and fully meet the requirements of the National Curriculum. The timeless poems cover a wide variety of themes and forms and are ideal to explore, discuss and think about. For examples of how the poems can be used see the notes on some of the poems in Book 4 by clicking here or scroll down to see the notes on A Smuggler's Song.

 

There are 4 books in the series with poems having been chosen to suit the 7-11 age group particularly. The content of successive anthologies becomes gradually more demanding to match a child's age but there is nothing wrong at all in letting children enjoy easier poems. 

 

 

 

 

Here’s what June Crebbin, the well-known children’s poet, says about the collection:

 

“ … delightful anthologies. I’m sure children will find each anthology a treasure trove, containing as they do, so many memorable poems on a wide variety of themes.”

 

For the contents of each anthology click here, for extracts here. and for a selection of some of the poems here.

 

 

FOR USE IN THE CLASSROOM

 

Sets of 6 anthologies of the same title for just £12.00 including postage

 

Sets of 16 anthologies of the same title for just £30.00 including postage

 

FOR STAFF RESOURCES 

 

All 4 anthologies for just £9.00 including postage

 

 

TO ORDER: please reply to the email and we will send your books with an invoice, or use the contact form on the website

 

 

A Smuggler’s Song   here

 

This is a splendid poem – rich, exciting, full of colour and interest, with just a hint of menace.  It is written as if one of the smugglers is speaking.

Listen and follow while one person reads it out.  Who is the smuggler talking to and who are the “Gentlemen”?

Read the poem again with individuals or pairs taking a verse each.  Picture all the vivid scenes which are described.

Consider and discuss the following questions:

  • What is meant by the line: “Watch the wall, my darling, while the Gentlemen go by”?  Why do you think the smuggler is offering this advice?
  • What do the following words and phrases mean: baccy; woodlump; roped and tarred; brushwood; chuck you ’neath the chin; cap of Valenciennes?
  • What sort of goods are being smuggled and who receives them? Which recipient would today be considered surprising?  Where is one of the hiding places for the smuggled goods?
  • Why might a horse be tired and a coat be “cut about and tore”? Why is the little girl told not to ask questions about these things?
  • Who are King George’s men? Why would they make a fuss of the girl?  Why is it important for her to be both careful about what she says and careful to listen to what is said?
  • Who are Trusty and Pincher and why are they not disturbed by the Gentlemen?
  • What present might the girl receive from the smugglers? Why would she be given it?
  • What do you think is the meaning of the line: “Them that asks no questions isn’t told a lie”?  Why was the child discouraged from being inquisitive about the smugglers’ activities?

Look at the form of the poem: the rhythm and long lines, the rhyme scheme, the way in which the final verse echoes verse 1.  Is the form of the poem suited to its theme?

What do you  think was the general attitude towards smuggling as shown by the poem?  What would you have done if you had seen the smugglers?

A number of important issues and dilemmas are raised by the poem which are still of great relevance in modern society.  Should you turn the other way when you know people are doing something wrong or breaking the law?  Should you remain quiet about it?  Is it right to condone certain activities which are unlawful but generally acceptable?  You can discuss these issues among yourselves.

Find out about smuggling in the past.  Perhaps you can write a story, or imaginary diary, on this theme.

Read the biography of Rudyard Kipling.

To round off your study of this dramatic poem plan your own choral reading of it with plenty of expression and actions, using props and costumes.  In this way “A Smuggler’s Song” will be a poem you will always remember.

 

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