Teachers, parents and all those interested in poetry, from Libby Hathorn. The Teachers Lounge will be offering hands on suggestions for working with young poets. These suggestions will be in the form of activities and exercises before, during and after the writing of poems. They will change monthly as themes for poetry go up on the Poetry Float (in the Poetry Parade). I will use some of my own poetry but will draw on the riches of poets' minds from all over the world here. Just to give an idea of some of the themes to come: Home School Great, Wide Wonderful World Just For Fun! Out and About Cities and so on. I believe poetry is not just about getting young people writing. It is of course about thinking and feeling and being truly sensitive to the world around us. Therefore, I will presenting not only themes and structures for poetry here, but suggestions for meaningful meditations and interactions. Poetry is a way of looking and often simple suggestions will have young poets opening their minds in a unique way. I have Seven Golden Rules of Poetry Writing which I've drawn from my own teaching experiences as well from my own writing. These will be posted with suggestions for each of the seven, as an introduction to the Libby Hathorn way of teaching and enjoying poetry. A Poetry Workshop which is tried and true and could involve a whole class or small groups, will also be posted. Poetry is often neglected in schools. I feel teachers are often overworked and simply have not the time to research the art of getting kids poetry writing. However, I well know if something is put into their hands that appeals and constitutes several meaningful activities and sharing of work for kids, then they are only too happy to enter the realms of poetry writing with their students. The Teacher's Lounge is all about this! Do come back for my thoughts and plans for having kids really enjoying poetry to the full! Libby Hathorn