Building Confidence through Performance Poetry KS2 🎤 | Overcoming Stage Fright and Shyness
Performance poetry allows children to explore language with their bodies and voices.
It supports communication, teamwork, listening and resilience.
For many pupils, performing a poem is their first chance to speak to an audience.
With guidance and rehearsal, this becomes a positive experience that builds long-term confidence.
Performance poetry also strengthens skills in:
English: phrasing, clarity, tone
Drama: gesture, character and presence
PSHE: confidence, self-esteem and peer support
👉 In my Poetry Days in primary schools across the UK I work hard to get the children excited about writing and performing their own poems. I visit over 100 schools every year and I’d love to work with your children and teachers.
📅 You can book me for:
In-person Poetry Days across the UK
Online Poetry Workshops (affordable and flexible)
➡ Secure your date here: Poets in Schools – Ian Bland
Great for teachers looking to save time!
Poem: The Dinner Lady Dance 🍽️
by Ian Bland
(chorus)
Eat your dinner your last chance!
Do the dinner lady dance!
Eat your dinner your last chance!
Do the dinner lady dance!
Gets so angry in a crowd
Blows her whistle really loud
Always shouting in the hall
Stops you crying when you fall
Tells you off for telling lies
Hands on hips and angry eyes!
(chorus)
Loves to jump in when you fight
Wears a coat that’s far too tight
Starts to panic in the rain
Dinner ladies they’re insane
Play a game and they will spoil it
Won’t let you go to the toilet!
(chorus)
Keeps you waiting all the while
Makes you walk in single file
Always grumps and always pouts
Makes you eat your Brussel sprouts
Cleverest people in a way
They only work one hour a day!
(chorus)
Makes you eat that fatty mince
Curly hair with purple rinse
Makes you stand up on the wall
Confiscates the playground ball
Think they’re nice then think again
They scared away the dinner men!
(chorus)
Get yourself a signed book!
Classroom Activity Ideas 🎬
Simple, fun and easy to deliver in a busy KS2 classroom.
1. Echo the Chorus
Say the chorus aloud.
Pupils echo each line back with growing confidence.
This is a low-pressure way for shy pupils to join in.
2. Rhythm and Movement
Play a steady beat.
Children walk or clap to the rhythm of the poem.
Add simple actions for the chorus to build energy and engagement.
3. Group Performance
Split the poem into verses.
Groups rehearse a section and choose actions.
Working in groups reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
4. Tone Challenge
Choose one line such as “Blows her whistle really loud.”
Perform it in three ways: excited, serious, fed-up.
Discuss which version sounds best and why.
5. Confidence Builder Cards
Use cards labelled: louder, softer, slower, faster, happy voice, serious voice.
Groups select a card before performing a verse.
This creates structure and predictability for nervous speakers.
Helping Shy Pupils and Anxious Speakers 💬
Many pupils feel anxious about speaking in front of others.
These simple strategies help them feel safe and supported:
Begin in pairs
Start with short rehearsals in pairs or trios.
Repeat warm-ups
Familiar routines reduce nerves and build trust.
Practise often
Confidence grows when children know the poem well.
Praise progress
celebrate effort, not volume.
Keep it playful
When performance feels fun, fear fades quickly.
Related:
Growth Mindset Poems KS2 | Creative Writing KS2 | Poetry Teaching Ideas
Quick Techniques for Performance Poetry 🎪
1. Beat the Rhythm
Clap or tap a steady beat while reading.
This helps pupils control pace and phrasing.
2. Freeze Frames
Pause at key lines and freeze in a dramatic pose.
A great bridge between poetry and drama.
3. Eye Contact Circles
Children deliver a line to a partner across the circle.
This builds confidence and connection.
4. Volume Ladder
Say a line from whisper to strong voice.
Helps pupils learn vocal control.
5. Movement Pathways
Take a step forwards on strong lines and backwards on quiet lines.
This teaches emphasis and energy.
Teacher Pedagogy Notes 📚
Curriculum Links
Spoken Language: intonation, clarity, performance
Reading: interpreting and delivering meaning
Writing: creating poems for performance
Drama: movement, character and physicality
PSHE: confidence, resilience and teamwork
Differentiation
Support: rehearse one or two lines in a group
Challenge: lead a verse or add original movement
Extension: perform a poem they have written themselves
Engagement Tip
Use performance poems for class assemblies.
Children gain huge confidence when they perform in front of the school.
Final Thoughts 🌈
Performance poetry builds confidence, expression and courage.
It helps shy pupils grow in self-belief and supports the whole class through teamwork and creativity.
With simple warm-ups and supportive routines, every child can shine.
Performance poetry develops:
courage
creativity
teamwork
expression
pride
These skills last far beyond the lesson.
Bring Performance Poetry to Life in Your School
Book a Poetry Day or Online Poetry Workshop and let me help your pupils grow in confidence through performance, rhythm and imagination.
Find out more about my Poetry Days »
Book an Online Workshop »
