About Poetry Together.
Poetry Together is a free initiative that encourages schools and care homes to connect with each other, learn a poem off by heart, and come together to recite.
In 2021, Poetry Together enters its third year. Over 500 care homes and schools have participated in this project, from as far afield as Aberdeen, Bradford, Bristol, Blackpool, Caerphilly, Cambridge, Cornwall, Glasgow, Huddersfield, Hereford, Dover, Llandaff, Londonderry, Liverpool, Leicester, Portsmouth, Sussex, and dozens of other locations around the UK. Last year, news spread beyond our shores, and schools in Greece, Romania, Dubai, the UAE, Nigeria, and the USA signed up.
In 2020, things were a little different, so Poetry Together was a little different, too. We moved our poetry tea parties online, and shared video messages with our friends. In 2021, we will be able to meet in person again!
Register now to take part in Autumn, 2021!
Why do we do it?
Poetry Together is the brainchild of author, broadcaster, and poetry fanatic, Gyles Brandreth. Here, he explains a bit about where the idea came from.
“The idea came to me when I was talking with some teachers. They said to me, “Kids love learning poetry by heart and love reciting poetry as a group.” Having done some research into the topic, I knew that there’s plenty of evidence to show there are many benefits to learning poetry by heart for both young and old people.
With infants and young children, engaging with poetry helps with language skills in all sorts of ways. Studies have shown that learning poetry by heart improves performance academically at school, improving concentration, and even supporting better sleep.
For adults, evidence shows that learning poetry by heart can give you a happier and more successful life. It improves the ability to communicate and strengthen relationships, improves memory, increases brain capacity and can help keep dementia at bay. It’s amazing stuff really. Learning poetry together changes lives!
So, I thought, why not create a project that encourages schools and older people’s homes to get together, have a tea party, and recite a poem together.
The project is a wonderful way to bring communities closer. We don’t need science to explain how special it can be when people from two ends of the generational spectrum get together and have a chat over a cup of tea.”
A taster…
Poetry Together was first launched with a very exciting performance by two Chelsea Pensioners and children from Marlborough Primary and Knightsbridge Schools at the National Army Museum. Their resounding rendition of ‘Buckingham Palace’ by AA Milne is covered in this clip from the BBC.
Who can take part?
Participation is free and open to everyone. If you are a school or care home representative, simply sign up. When you register, you will receive an email detailing the next steps so you can begin your preparations. See our map of everyone who has signed up so far!
When does it happen?
The Poetry Together Season runs in Autumn, starting on National Poetry Day.
Participating groups can choose to hold their poetry recitals on any day during the season. You can register now to participate.
