As part of the National Curriculum, children explore a range of different poetry and learn some poems by heart as part of a performance. To celebrate World Book Day, children are participating in a Performance Poetry Day in school and are very lucky to be joined by published poet, Valerie Bloom.

It is always a fantastic opportunity for children to meet authors and have the opportunity to hear about their writing and explore and learn how an author thinks. At last count, Valerie's poetry had been printed in over 250 anthologies, as well as appearing frequently on television, stage and radio.

As part of her visit, Valerie led a whole school assembly, sharing her own poetry and giving children top tips on how to perform poetry to engage the audience - along with a little Jamaican Patois. Valerie is an engaging performer and captivated children with her animated and participative performance. Throught the day, children have spent time with Valerie in smaller year group workshops comprised of performance activities and opportunities to ask questions about Valerie's work, her journey as a writer and what inspires her own poetry.

Valerie Bloom has with her a selection of her books, available for purchase and signing by the author herself! Book signing will take place in the school hall directly after the school day. For children who attend clubs and are not able to attend the book signing, please place the required amount of money in an envelope with your child’s name and the name of the book.

• Fruits - a counting poem picture book for younger children. How much fruit can one girl eat in a day? You would be amazed! (£5.99)
• Mighty Mountains, Swirling Seas – nature poems inspired by the world around us. (£4.70)
• Jaws and Claws and Things With Wings - bears and bison, slugs and snails, ants and alligators, sharks and whales, all sorts of creatures find their way into this delightful book of animal poems. (£5.50)
• Surprising Joy - Joy's mother, who moved to England when Joy was a baby, writes to say that she's ready for her daughter to come and join her. Joy can hardly contain her excitement, but she’s unprepared for the shock of London in Winter, and the family secret she uncovers. Novel for years 5 upwards. (£5.99)
• Let Me Touch The Sky – a wonderful selection of Valerie Bloom’s warm, sparky and evocative poetry which will delight readers of all ages. (£5.99)
• Hot Like Fire - two poetry collections in one. “Exuberant poetry, full of sound and rhythm” said The Guardian (£7.99)

You can experience more of Valerie Bloom’s work with your children at home via Valerie's own website and PoetryArchive.