Type of Artist:
Poet and Ambassador for National Poetry Day
KS2 Assembly - Matt’s unique performance style means that children will be engaged from the moment he begins - witty, warm and humorous,
Matt’s performances allow children to join in with and memorise some of his poems – and are guaranteed to do it with a smile on their face! He will also talk about the writing process and will leave time for a Q&A session at the end of the performance.
KS1 assembly - Matt will engage the children in action rhymes and they will memorise and perform some of his poems. Children will be able to pick different poems to learn and perform from ‘Matt’s Poetry Bag.’ He will also talk about the writing process and will leave time for a Q&A session at the end of the performance.
His workshops can either be performance or writing.
Performance Workshops
Matt will perform some of his poems and discuss with children the techniques needed to create successful performances.
The children will work together in small groups to put these techniques into practice by deciding on how best to perform poems – discussing rhythm, use of voice, expression, actions etc.
The outcome of the sessions will be children will have memorised and performed their own version of one of Matt’s poems – everything that the new National Curriculum expects your children to be able to do!! These sessions are also great for schools to continue to develop their performance poetry by setting up termly Poetry Assemblies where each year group performs their poems, allowing children to demonstrate their learning!
Writing Workshops
Matt begins sessions by playing warm up games that get children into a ‘poetic frame of mind.’ The children will write a class poem together and will then go on to innovate on a model poem which Matt provides, ending the session with brand-new piece of writing that can continue to be developed with the class teacher. As the sessions progress, Matt will provide the teacher with hints and tips as to how to integrate poetry into the classroom in an interesting and engaging way. Children will have the chance to perform their work at the end of the session.
The techniques that Matt teaches during the writing sessions are adaptable, and means that children (and teachers!) will be able to apply the skills learnt to any topic they are studying – cross-curricular writing is easy with poetry!
Key Stages 1 & 2
Workshops - class-sized groups Assemblies - as detailed below
KS2 assembly - 40mins
then
KS1 assembly - 20mins
then EITHER
4 x 45min writing workshops in KS2 classrooms with a class-sized group and the class teacher present
OR
6 x 30min writing workshops across both key stages with a class-sized group and the class teacher present
See above
Anywhere within a couple of hour's reach of my home in Stockport, so Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Cheshire as well as all of Greater Manchester.
Car (45 pence per mile)
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PLI and CRB checked
Carry Me Away
The Same inside
Chicken on the Roof
"Matt is a brilliantly engaging performer who enthuses and inspires children." - Rachel Jacques, Head Teacher, Bowker Vale Primary School, Manchester
"Matt’s performances and workshops were fantastic! His humour and warmth inspired boys and girls across both Key Stages. We look forward to his next visit!" - Susie Hornby, Teacher, Altrincham CE Primary School
"Matt’s sessions really enthused the children and gave them the confidence to perform (even in a whole school assembly!) All children were able to succeed." - , Michelle Rogers, Deputy Head, All Saints Primary School, Gorton, Manchester
Matt Goodfellow is a fresh voice on the children's poetry scene.
He values words, crafting the language and never patronises his readers.
His writing is sensitive and powerful. Matt celebrates experience with a sharp eye, transforming the world under the microscope of poetic language.
Pie Corbett
Matt engaged the children brilliantly with his lively poetry and wit. He is both entertaining and inspiring. Children from Foundation Stage to Year 6 loved working with him and teachers were left buzzing with ideas about how to deliver poetry in exciting ways.
Angela Ridley, Headteacher, Mersey Drive Primary School, Bury
Matt’s infectious enthusiasm ran right through the school and inspired children and staff alike to read and perform poetry not only in the performances and workshops but beyond. Every single child went away with a smile on their face - we look forward to welcoming Matt back in the very near future.
Matthew Hover, Headteacher, Ashton Hayes Primary School
When your ‘hard to reach’ boys are searching for Matt, notebooks in hand, to show him their poetry compositions, you know he’s getting something right. Matt’s poetry and personal anecdotes make for an inspirational day!
Paul Heaton, Headteacher, St Mary’s RC Primary School, Radcliffe
The children at Bradshaw Hall loved listening to Matt's unique style of poetry and joined in with great enthusiasm. Truly inspiring! The class workshops were extremely popular and both staff and children have already requested a return visit!
Caroline Wilson, Deputy Headteacher, Bradshaw Hall Primary School, Cheadle
From the minute Matt walked into our school there was a buzz of excitement. He engaged every single pupil in the workshops and encouraged them all to step into the fascinating world of poetry. Pupils and staff loved the day and were left with great ideas, inspiration and a real feel good factor.
Joanne Kane, Assistant Headteacher, St Teresa’s Primary School, Irlam
An inspirational session, delivered with such energy. The children produced some fabulous pieces of poetry.
Wendi Swan, Acting Deputy Head Teacher, Wellfield Junior School, Sale
Matt has had poems published in anthologies and magazines worldwide
Matt Goodfellow's Amazon site