A Selection of Chrissie's Books
Chrissie Gittins
Poet, trained and experienced teacher,
Ambassador for National Poetry Day.
Sessions usually begin with me reading a selection of poems aimed at the age group.
Then, sitting round in a circle, we play games which means that each child contributes orally and begins writing as a game.
We go on to write a group poem and then individual poems.
Type of Artist:
PoetDetails
Preferred age range:All ages and abilities
Maximum number in any one session:
Up to 30 in a workshop. Whole school/Year group/Key stage for readings.
No of sessions per day:
Assembly plus three workshops, or 4 workshops with short reading at the beginning of each.
Session Length:
Up to 40 mins for reading and 1 hour for workshops, plus time for signing afterwards.
Areas prepared to travel to:
I live in London but am happy to travel anywhere – if overnight expenses met.
Transport:
Car at 40 per mile or train
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
PLI
Website:
Titles include:
Adder, Bluebell, Lobster (longlisted for the North Somerset Teachers’ Book Award)
'The poems use words to great effect - the vocabulary is superb and a great way to extend children's own use of language. The poems will really encourage children to take note of the world which surrounds us - an excellent collection.’ Parents in Touch, 3rd August 2016
'Chrissie Gittins lets her words and ideas dance from the page - she even allows parsnips to twinkle! Surprises wait in every single poem.' Alvy Carragher, Inis Reading Guide, Children’s Books Ireland, 2016/17
'This is an exceptional collection for all ages from the very youngest baby and preschool child to those at secondary school.' Jennifer Harding, IBBY UK Journal, Spring 2017
Stars in Jars
‘New works and old favourites by the ever-popular Chrissie Gittins are crammed into this glorious collection like so many colourful, foil-wrapped sweets in a selection box designed by Willy Wonka himself. Every page is a joyful celebration of words, and the amazing things they can do - as well as a series of imaginative leaps in all kinds of fantastically unexpected directions. Moreover, as well as providing a mouth watering feast of verses to devour, Stars in Jars is also a superb source of potential writing inspiration. Gittins’ starting points are things all young people will recognize: pencil stubs, ice cream, new shoes, fallings out with friends, and changing relationships with family members. Any one of the poems that she brings into existence from such beginnings could easily inspire your pupils to create something amazing with language of their own.’
Helen Mulley, Issue 8.3, Teach Primary
Now You See Me, Now You …
The Humpback’s Wail
One hour’s recording on the Poetry Archive (Children’s) www.poetryarchive . C.D. and a 7 minute free download.
Testimonials:
Chrissie Gittins visited our school on National Poetry Day last year and ran wonderful workshops for Year 5 children. Her poetry is rich in its depth of feeling for the natural world. This particular book is all about words depicting the natural world which can no longer be found in the Oxford Junior Dictionary. Apparently, no need, for today's children, which is disturbing and sad. So, Chrissie has taken up the gauntlet and included them in her poems. We need poets like Chrissie writing for today's schoolchildren. Her poems are serious at times but absolutely accessible. Not patronising or using easy jokes to gain attention, here is a poet who is talking to children with a hugely valuable message. Chrissie writes in a simple, lyrical and beautiful style and her poems need to be picked up and read by all children, whether living in cities or countryside. Words such as adder and bluebell are surely not going to die out? She is the Robert Macfarlane of the children's poetry scene and I urge teachers and librarians to buy and read her books to their pupils. Also, her collection makes a superb gift to any child. Parents will enjoy these poems immensely; they surely will not want to see words they grew up with disappear. Chrissie is curating these words within her poems - a vital read. Kathryn Dymoke, Librarian, Hazelwood School, Oxted, Surrey.
Dwight School
'Dwight School London very much enjoyed World Book Day with special guest of honour - children's poet and author Chrissie Gittins. Children and staff were wholly engaged listening to her read from her poetry books and were animated when joining in with actions and phrases. Through workshops children developed Literacy skills developing their own imaginative poems and will take her inspiration and knowledge of poetry into their classes in future learning. A fantastic experience with Chrissie.' Claire Potts, Literacy Co-ordinator
We have some very good poetry written by the children as a result of your visit. Jean Bews, Literacy Co-ordinator
Facebook message re.
My son, Adam, is a pupil in the class which you visited this week and last and really enjoyed having you in school. He loved your poems and I had a lovely evening with him and his older sister reading out from the book he bought. They were both particularly taken with 'World Secrets'. Thank you so much for introducing them to poetry. Alison Millar
Ocklynge Junior School,
'Chrissie Gittins is/was excellent. The children have had a great day.' Barbara Robertson, Assistant Head, Head of Year 6 and Gifted and Talented Coordinator.
'It was inspirational.' A Year 8 pupil speaking to the secretary after a reading to Year 7 and 8.
The
'Thank you Chrissie for a wonderful day. Since you were here, we have festooned our corridors with poems – either poems girls wrote with you, or ones inspired by your visit, or indeed favourite poems. You were much appreciated, and it was a terrific start to Poetry Week.' Julia Dilworth
Published work:
Other information:
Information about Chrissie’s poetry collections
Photos:
