When the reading of poetry is mindfully modeled, young learners are more inclined to read poetry for their own purposes. Here are some tips to assist you to present poetry reading successfully:   • Read the poem aloud to yourself first. Consider the meaning, language, rhythm and other features of the poem that you will highlight in your reading.   • Convey the meaning of the poem with your voice.   • Allow the students to hear the poem first before they see it. Read it a second time, but this time let them see the words.   • Avoid long elaborate introductions. Give them the title and the name of the poet.   • Let the tone of your voice convey the mood.   • Let the language convey the rhythm.   • Each word of the poem is important. Savor each one.   • Use your voice as a tool- whisper where appropriate, Shout if necessary, stretch words for effect!   • Invite short discussion rather than long analysis. Don’t dissect each line, don’t be a lint ...

It was BOOK Week in Australia last week and while Covid tried its hardest, it couldn't dampen our collective spirits for books and all things literate.  So, while I couldn't visit schools in person,  I was able to contribute and be part of the celebrations with on line sessions reading poetry and presenting a range of poetry forms for young poets to try for themselves. I read some poems from my books and also presented some more recent poems- freshly made, still warm!  The idea was to share the good news that ideas for poetry are all around us. Anything can become the focus of our poetic attention. We must try to become observers and curious explorers! Here are three of my latest poems about a range of matters.  Poems that have bubbled up while trying to remain creative in these Covid times.  Hope you enjoy them... It is once again Poetry Friday and our host this week is Heidi Mordhorst   at ' My Juicy Little Universe .' Heidi's post focuses on a number of ...

  Poetry is capable of delivering so much to a reader. A lot of poetry sings and dances when we read it aloud. Poetry can also laugh and cry. It can shout and whisper. Poetry delivers emotion by drawing on a wide range of moods and feelings.  Best of all poetry does these things while using the very best of our words in tight spaces. This is what gives poetry it spark! Minimal words, maximum delivery. Poetry is as varied as life itself because it draws so much from the life we are here to live.  Importantly,  poetry is accessible to everyone of us. Anyone can write poetry should they choose to try. In order to write poetry however, it is essential to read a lot of poetry. You must read what you wish to write. This is what will make poetry your friend and trusted companion. Notice what poets are choosing to write about and also take note of the many ways they present poems on the page. Poetry offers such a feast of choices.  By reading poetry you gain a clear sen...

Here is my reading of the poem, 'Summer In The Hills- Monbulk Memories' from my 2016 anthology -'I Bet There's No Broccoli On The Moon' made possible by my recent visit to Monbulk, where I spent my formative years. -my fortunate years. It's Poetry Friday and this week's host is Carol from Carol's Corner, who is highlighting the concept of being 'woke.' Carols sees it as being aware your surroundings and challenging how we strengthen our relationships with the government, with community, and nature.To be woke is to fight for your civil rights, and the rights of your neighbors... To be woke is to understand that equality and justice for some is not equality and justice at all. We must stay alert. We must ask hard questions. We must stand for what is right, even when it is difficult and scary. Carol presents the poetry of three young female poets who have collaborated on a book suitably titled 'Woke.' A laudable pursuit... You can find out ...

I am very pleased to announce the release of my third poetry anthology- What The Poemster Found -poems from places poets roam' The poems in this new collection capture real-life experiences while exploring past events and numerous small moments. Among the poems gathered inside the pages of this anthology, I light heartedly reflect upon the untimely death of Brutus the Budgerigar. I also share some  wheel  bad news, the ride of the sky witch, the sad tale of Norman Neets, some secret conversations around a kitchen table, and all the reasons why science rocks. This is just the start of a joyful jaunt through the places poets roam. What The Poemster Found does deliver some fun verse hopefully providing  a rollicking journey through the far reaches of this poet’s inspiration. However, I have also tried to balance the humour with some quite deliberate attempts to provoke thought about issues, for as Nikki Grimes, American poet said so importantly: 'Children are emot...

Some Poems For You to Enjoy.  Tap and Go! Sneaker Look https://www.dropbox.com/s/1ynuwe6k5m0s6p6/Sneaker%20Look%20Poem.m4a?dl=0 Eat It Up It's Good For You https://soundcloud.com/alwrite/eat-it-up-its-good-for-you Pasta Joke https://soundcloud.com/alwrite/pasta-joke-poem Soggy Beans https://soundcloud.com/alwrite/soggy-beans-poem-at-mornington Storm Watching https://soundcloud.com/alwrite/storm-watching-poem Bored https://www.dropbox.com/s/oimof5rq6wggqfj/Bored%20poem.m4a?dl=0