National Poetry Week Workshops

September/October 2008 at Palace Stables Heritage Centre, Armagh

Comments from Teachers

It (the workshop!) encouraged the children to think about language and not to be afraid of poetry. They had the confidence to write. It ( the workshop experience) was good and would encourage me to teach more poetry in the classroom.
Jane Jackson. Year 9 teacher; The Royal school, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.

It (the workshop) was lively and dynamic and entertaining and produced some very good work from the pupils.
J. Graham (no relation!!). Year 9 teacher, The Royal School, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.


Question: Did the workshop meet your aims and objectives?
Response: Absolutely- this particular Year 8 group were quite nervous about composing their own poems. This session has certainly helped break down some barriers.
Mr. Graham encouraged participation from willing students on a number of occasions, via their own written contributions and creative input. Poems were both relevant and accessible to this age group. They can certainly be applied to the classroom in the future.
Suzanne Devlin, Year 8 teacher, St Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone.


Question: Did the students have the opportunity to participate in the workshop and discuss their ideas?
Response: Absolutely! Great involvement and participation in the workshop. Very enjoyable……
Mary Canavan, Year 9 teacher, St Joseph’s College, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone.


Question: Did the poetry workshop meet your aims and objectives?
Response: Yes- loved the stimulating workshop prior to the writing workshop with the poet. Good idea to collect ideas-independantly write down notes….  - loved the interactive experiences…..
Geraldine Brannigan, Year 9 teacher, St Joseph’s Boys High School, Co. Tyrone.


They ( the pupils) were genuinely enthused by Charlie’s stories…
Michelle Jordan, Year 9 teacher, St. Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.


Question; Did the poetry workshop meet your aims and objectives?
Response: Yes. Excellent! A very enjoyable morning. Excellent!
P. Mc Evoy, Primary 7 teacher, St. Francis P.S. Keady, Co. Armagh.


Question: Did the poetry workshop meet your aims and objectives?
Response: Yes. It got the pupils interested in poetry.
They got the opportunity to write their ideas down and discuss them.
I enjoyed listening to Charlie Graham and his poetry.
Mrs. Campbell, Primary 5 teacher, St Jarlath’s P.S. Blackwatertown, Co Armagh.


Question: Did the poetry workshop meet your aims and objectives?
Response: Yes. The children really enjoyed discussing their ideas…….They wrote with ease.
Jane Johnston, Primary 7 teacher, Hamiltonsbawn P.S. Co. Armagh.


Very enjoyable.
Marian Bradley, Primary 6/7 teacher, St. Joseph’s P.S. Madden, Co. Armagh.