CLPE

Children need support to understand that there are many forms of poetry, and it doesn’t always rhyme! Teachers can help by introducing children to a variety of poetic forms, including those with defined structures, rhythms and patterns and free verse, that can be used to shape experience and provide a stimulus for writing.
Explore why poetry is so important to developing literacy skills: https://clpe.org.uk/research/poetry-primary-schools-what-we-know-works

Did you know our Power of Reading training uses research-proven approaches to develop literacy? It empowers children to become engaged readers, boosting comprehension, creative thinking, and confident writing.

As Lucy Challand from Sydenham Primary says:

"What we love is immersing children in a book thoroughly, developing empathy, writing for different purposes and cross-curricular links."

Booking for the 2026-27 academic year is now open — find out more at https://clpe.org.uk/training

We’ve received a record number of shadowing entries for CLiPPA 2026, thank you to everyone who took part!

We’re so excited to share the news with our five winners this week and can’t wait to see them perform at the CLiPPA Award Show 2026. In the meantime, here's one of our 2025 winners performing their poem from the shortlisted collection 'We are Family'!

This week’s Key Stage 1 book pick is Jake in the Middle: Maple Street by Michael Catchpool, illustrated by Shanarama and published by Otter-Barry Books.

This lively collection of four short stories follows Jake and his family in their multi-generational home. With relatable moments and engaging illustrations throughout, it’s an accessible and enjoyable read for young readers.

Discover more book recommendations: https://clpe.org.uk/blog/

Today is your last day to get involved in CLiPPA 2026!

👉 Teachers: record students’ performances and submit by 12pm, TODAY.

👉 Five schools (one per shortlisted collection) will perform at the National Theatre, London on 9 July.

Get involved: https://clpe.org.uk/poetry/CLiPPA/shadowing_scheme

This week's book pick for Lower Key Stage 2 is 'Higher Ground', written by Tull Suwannakit, published by New Frontier Publishing UK. This is a heavily illustrated novel about two children, their grandmother, and their pet rabbit, who take refuge on the shelter of their tower block following an epic world spanning flood.

For more book recommendations: https://clpe.org.uk/blog/