Author Michael Rosen inspires Hackney children

Michael Rosen reads his latest book. Pic: Helen Lock

Poet and children’s author Michael Rosen this morning endeavoured to inspire children in Hackney by sharing his love of reading.

Year Five students from Northwold, Colvestone and Lauriston primaries and Millfields Community School joined workshops conducted by Rosen at the Arcola Theatre in Dalston.

Rosen, the former Children’s Laureate, read from his latest book Even My Ears Are Smiling before helping the children with creative writing and reciting their own poetry.

Headteacher of Northwold Primary School Alison Kriel said: “Michael Rosen has a way of engaging children as readers…pupils are inspired”.

The educational initiative behind the workshops comes from a local group of teachers aiming to get creative learning back in the curriculum.

The scheme has proved popular and there are already seven other schools waiting for the next round of learning sessions that will be held in the spring.

Head of Performing Arts at the Hackney Learning Trust Nick Skinner said: “We are trying to get kids involved in more workshops like this, out of the class room and away from constant assessment.”

“Creativity has been lost somewhat in the curriculum with the focus on maths and science. We gave each school a copy of Rosen’s book Even My Ears Are Smiling and asked them to work with it.”

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