Say a poem – a new approach to children’s poetry
Build vocabulary. Develop oracy. Share the joy of words, rhythm and rhyme.
The poems
Our short, memorable poems are:
- rooted in children’s everyday experiences
- rich in language to build children’s vocabulary
- playful to say to develop oracy.
The films
Each poem is brought to life in an engaging five-minute film. Our films:
- fit easily into the school day
- encourage participation and speaking aloud
- make children feel ‘I can do it’!
Join our free webinar – 30 minutes of poetry with Sara Rice-Oxley
Sara – a teacher and actor – will show you how to:
- build vocabulary and develop oracy through poems that are rich in language, playful to say, and short to learn
- bring poetry right into your school day – from the minute children arrive to home time.
This session is for all teachers in Early Years and Years 1 to 3, whatever phonics programme you use.
How does Say a poem work?
Say a poem is developed by Ruth Miskin. It’s perfect for children in Reception up to Year 3 in any school, whatever phonics programme you use.
There are over 70 poems and paired five-minute films at different vocabulary levels. In each film actors and children encourage children to participate and speak aloud.
Children hear the poem and then join in. Once they’re familiar with it, they will love joining in all the way through.
Poems can be said in small group settings or by the whole class/school.
Poems are grouped under eight headings: Feelings and wellbeing, Fun and imagination, Animals and beasts, School and community, Speech and language, Nature and seasons, Playing and exploring, Moving and growing.
More poems are added weekly.
Here’s one of our 70+ films. ‘Join In’ is an upbeat, rhythmical poem that encourages togetherness. You’ll see how easy it is to share with your class. They’ll love it!
How to access Say a poem
We hope you’ll love our new poems and paired films.
If you don’t have the Ruth Miskin School Portal
Say a poem is available to all schools without the Portal.
An annual subscription costs £200 per school and is available 2nd February
If you have the Ruth Miskin School Portal
The Say a poem films are included on the School Portal as part of your Training Package – at no extra cost.
News and reviews
“The films encourage oracy and communication. They give children a voice.”
Jacob Solomon, English Lead, Hurstbourne Tarrant Primary