Poems for KS2 Children to Perform in Assemblies
Why Performance Poetry Works in Primary Schools
Assemblies are the perfect stage for performance poetry. They give children the chance to learn poems by heart, develop confidence in public speaking, and entertain a real audience. Poetry performances are fun, creative, and tick the National Curriculum requirement for pupils to recite and perform poetry.
Here are 7 fantastic poems that are always a hit when performed by KS2 children in school assemblies.
👉 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
📚 More Ideas: Poetry Teaching Ideas (144+ KS2 poetry activities)
1. The Magic Box – Kit Wright
A wonderful poem that sparks imagination and creativity. Children can imagine filling a magical box with sights, sounds, feelings, and memories. Perfect for assemblies, this poem works well with different children performing individual lines. Many schools even extend it by adding their own verses, turning the recital into a mix of performance and creative writing.
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2. Don’t Put Mustard in the Custard – Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen’s famous poem is short, sharp, and hilarious. KS2 pupils love the silly imagery, and it works brilliantly with exaggerated voices and actions in assembly.
Great for teachers looking to save time!
3. The Sound Collector – Roger McGough
A poem packed with atmosphere and imagery. Great for choral performance, especially when children add sound effects for each line (claps, clicks, whispers, percussion). It always captures the audience’s attention.
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Hundreds of FREE poetry ideas, activities and resources-ready to download!
4. I Opened a Book – Julia Donaldson
This thoughtful poem about the magic of reading is short and powerful. Perfect for assemblies linked to World Book Day or celebrating reading. A small group or solo performance works best, with clear, expressive voices.
5. Halfway Down – A.A. Milne
A gentle and reflective poem that captures childhood perfectly. Children can perform this one with simple actions or sit on the stage steps to mirror the poem’s setting. Works beautifully as a calm, thoughtful assembly poem.
Get yourself a signed book!
6. Homework! Oh Homework! – Jack Prelutsky
A funny, rebellious favourite that KS2 pupils always enjoy performing. Its strong rhythm makes it easy to learn, and children can deliver it with humour, groans, and plenty of attitude — guaranteed to get laughs from the audience.
7. Life Doesn’t Frighten Me – Maya Angelou
A powerful, uplifting poem with a strong message about courage. Works brilliantly as a group recital, with different children taking different verses. Inspires confidence and makes a striking impression in assembly.
Tips for Teaching Performance Poetry in KS2
Divide the class – give groups or individuals different verses to perform.
Add movement – actions, gestures, and sound effects bring poems alive.
Use contrast – mix loud and quiet voices, echoes, and whispers.
Encourage expression – facial expressions and tone of voice are just as important as words.
Build confidence – make sure every child has a part, even if it’s just joining in with a repeated refrain.
Why Performance Poetry Belongs in Assemblies
It entertains parents, staff, and pupils alike.
It boosts children’s speaking and listening skills.
It builds teamwork, confidence, and creativity.
It fulfils the KS2 curriculum requirement to learn and recite poems.
Want More Performance Poetry Ideas?
I regularly run poetry workshops in schools, both in-person and online. These sessions include live performances of my poems, interactive writing activities, and the chance for pupils to perform their own work in front of others.
👉 If you’d like to inspire your pupils with a live poetry day or online workshop, email me at ianbland@ianbland.com to get booked in.
