This poem attempts to get across to students the difference between the exam command words - describe, explain, justify, compare, contrast and evaluate. It has been never been more important for students to be able to do this, yet is something many students still really struggle with. My students found this a different way in…Hope it is of some use to you and your students!

A poem I have written exploring the way we treat our planet and intended to prompt and provoke student debate and discussion. Could easily be used with Primary and Secondary students, as well as even older students as it should act as a stimulus or opening for debate. Thanks Mark Cowan

The text for A turn up for the books by M F Cowan a poem promoting the value of reading. This could be used as part of World Book Day, or just generally in promoting books and the importance of reading

A poem which explores the issue of Fair Trade and could be used generally as part of a topic on trade and development, or as part of Fairtrade Fortnight

A poem examining our approach towards Christmas and sparing a thought for those less fortunate.

A poem aimed at explaining the problems of Litter within school settings

A poem examining our approach towards Christmas and sparing a thought for those less fortunate.

A poem looking at some of the worries and concerns new teachers have about going into the classroom. Useful as a stimulus for discussion with Teacher training students, NQTs and just staff generally.

A poem which looks to explore the idea and rationale behind Comic Relief. Could be used as an assembly, a lesson starter or as a stimulus for then discussing the different approaches people take.

A poem which looks at the issue of Bullying. It could be done as an assembly, tutorial, or just generally with students.

A poem exploring the problems of drought and water scarcity.

A poem which explores the moon landing forty years on. It looks as much as anything at how it felt to look back at the Earth from space and what it told us about our own planet. Could be used as an assembly or as a starter or discussion tool in class. Suitable for most age groups (Primary and Secondary)

A poem exploring the problems of oil as a resource and the potentially disastrous consequences.

A poem which looks at the excuses given to convince (themselves!). A tongue in cheek approach useful for assemblies, tutorials, or just as general discussion.

A poem which would be a useful starter for looking at the ethics of fair trade.

A light hearted poem looking at the excuses students give for not doing homework

A poem which ask the moral questions about Christmas and sparing a thought for others less fortunate.

A series of games and resources for comparing the Kobe 1995 and China 2008 earthquakes

A poem looking at the interruptions teachers are faced with on a regular basis in lessons…