Stephen Timms launches children?s poetry book
22nd November 2255
Stephen Timms, MP for East Ham, recently visited Selwyn Primary School to launch
"Zebra Crossing", a new children?s poetry book published by Eastside
Community Heritage. Mr Timms met some of the children that had contributed poems
to this book, and presented certificates to some pupils for outstanding academic
achievement.
Stephen Timms, the Schools Standards Minister,
was keen to launch this book, partly because it was produced by local children,
but also to try and highlight the Department for Education and Skills? ongoing
work to encourage children?s creativity. Through the Government-funded
"Excellence in Cities Initiative", the renowned poet Matthew Sweeney
ran a poetry workshop for Year 5 pupils in the summer, and some of the children?s
work was then included in "Zebra Crossing". The book included
such wide-ranging titles as "The Flying Chocolate Robber", "Avalanche"
and "Sally Sugar".
Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion said, "The Selwyn
poets have produced a very funny, touching and adventurous collection of work.
It is inspiring as well as entertaining to see such fiery imaginations at work.".
Mr Timms said, " I thoroughly enjoyed reading
the poems in the zebra crossing, and am delighted to see the creativity of the
children in this area".
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