Win a computer (first prize)

A DVD Player (2nd prize)

A £50 book voucher (3rd prize

And win your school £500

After the successful jubilee poetry competition and a wonderful website section of Cheslyn Hay pupils’ poetry, you are invited to take part in this competition sponsored by "The Creative Writing Company" in Manchester.

Question: What do I write about?

Answer: Compose a poem (or use one you’ve already written and proud of) on any subject.

Question: How long should the poem be?

Answer: A poem is as long or as short as you want to make it.

Question: Can I send more than one poem?

Answer: You can send as many as you like!

Question: Who do I give it to?

Answer: Mrs White.

Question: How long have I got?

Answer: Poems should reach Mrs White by October 25th

Question: I find it hard to write a poem?

Answer: Try these two ideas.

1. Imagine the words above are like fridge magnets
2. From the above text write down in pairs or two or three words that speak out to you and put them next to each other
3. You can only use the words on the text and not add any of your own.
4. Like fridge magnets, move them around and see what affect this has. (Cross off the words as you use them from the text)
5. Cross out any unnecessary words and continue to move the fridge magnets around until you are happy with it
6. When you have finished, give it a title.

Idea 2

You will need someone to read these instructions out to you while you write as you are about to write a poem with your eyes closed!

Think of something in your life that was either very scary or very meaningful.

Imagine your memory is on a video. Stop the video in your head using the pause button just before the big moment or event.

Now close your eyes with a pen and paper in front of you and your friend or parent who is now going to read out these instructions

You have to write with your eyes closed on the paper in front of you.

(Sounds crazy but It works!) Closing your eyes helps you concentrate on feelings

Only write two or three words as an answer each time.

1. Where were you before the moment happened?
2. What was the weather like?
3. What did the weather do or make you think?
4. Was it night or day?
5. Were you cold or hot?
6. How did you feel inside?
7. What were you afraid of why was this moment in your life special (just three or 4 words)
8. Now move the video to the moment and pause it.
9. What do you feel now?
10. Write down what you said either to yourself or to someone next to you (You can write a sentence here)
11. What happened next in no more than 4 words.
12. Now give your experience a title
13. You can now open your eyes.

Step one: take out all the words you don’t need.

We are looking at words just acting together. No ands, I thinks, I felts etc

Step two: When you are happy with it make sure the title of your poem stays at the bottom and not the top.

It works!

I’ve tried it! Watch!