5 Great Reasons To Invite A Poet Into Your Primary School! Poets in Schools!

Inviting a poet into school is an exciting way to inspire both pupils and teachers. As a children’s poet, I’ve worked with thousands of schools, libraries and festivals over the last twenty five years. From tiny rural schools with only twenty children to large four-form entry primaries in the heart of big cities, the variety has been incredible.

📅 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

Every visit is different, but one thing stays the same: the positive impact poetry can have on children. Here are five reasons why inviting a poet into school is such a powerful experience.

1. A Poet’s Visit Brings Fun and Enjoyment

A well-prepared poetry day can create a buzz before the poet even arrives. Teachers often build up the event by sharing the poet’s work in class. This excitement spills over into the day itself. Children are thrilled to meet a real poet and connect a book to a living person.

When children already know some of the poems, the visit becomes even more memorable. They feel part of the performance and can’t wait to hear more. This sense of fun is the perfect way to make poetry come alive.

2. Poetry Performances Boost Engagement and Motivation

A good performance poet doesn’t just read poems—they bring them to life. Through rhythm, rhyme, imagery, and plenty of interaction, children discover that poetry is something they can truly enjoy.

In my performances, I encourage pupils to join in with refrains, sounds and actions. Teachers often join in too, which the children love! It’s amazing to see a whole hall hanging on every word and laughing together. That energy and engagement carry straight into the classroom.

 

3. Poetry Workshops Build Confidence and Self-Expression

After an assembly performance, children are often bursting with ideas. They can’t wait to create poems of their own. In workshops, I provide simple frameworks to help them get started. These give structure while leaving plenty of space for imagination.

Even reluctant writers often surprise their teachers. With a little encouragement, they start writing original poems and are keen to share them with the class. A fresh voice in school can spark hidden talents and boost confidence in ways that last long after the day is over.

4. A Poet’s Visit Supports Teacher Development

Poetry isn’t just for children. Many teachers find fresh inspiration during a visit too. As a former primary teacher myself, I know how valuable practical ideas and resources can be.

I regularly share teaching strategies through my visits and on social media. I also run CPD sessions for teachers and teaching assistants. These focus on simple ways to embed poetry across the curriculum in KS1 and KS2. A poet’s visit can give staff the tools and confidence to use poetry more often in the classroom.

5. A Poet Leaves a Lasting Legacy

The impact of a poetry day doesn’t end when the poet leaves. Children often want to borrow poetry books from the library and continue writing their own poems at home.

Many schools also encourage pupils to share feedback on my poetry blog. Over the years, thousands of children have sent me comments, questions and their own poems. I always reply, and the conversations show just how much the experience has raised the profile of poetry in their school.

👉 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