Joseph Coelho, the 2022 Children's Laureate and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, is not just a poet and author but a visionary dedicated to inspiring young minds. His commitment to enhancing children's literacy and creativity is evident in his innovative approaches to engaging young poets. Through his work, Coelho seeks connect children's everyday experiences with the beauty of written expression.
The Playful Heart of Poetry
Reflecting on his own childhood, Coelho shared that his earliest experiences with poetry stemmed from a deep love of play. He believes that "a lot of writing is actually the ability to be playful with words," a philosophy that reflects his approach to teaching poetry. By equating wordplay with the uninhibited joy of childhood games, he crafts an approachable and relatable way for children to explore language and expression.
Coelho made his remarks during The Philippa Pearce Lecture, named in honour of the late author of children’s books, has been held since 2007 to celebrate excellence in children’s literature and provide a platform for authors and poets to reflect on their art.
This year’s lecture is entitled ‘Creativity Through Poetry’, and Homerton College is delighted to welcome Joseph Coelho. He has written over 20 books for children and young adults and is currently in a ‘Library Marathon’ to visit every library in the UK.
Coelho expanded on his strategies for cultivating young literary minds:
Access to Libraries: He highlights the importance of library access for children, enabling them to explore diverse literary worlds and find their own voices.
Engagement in Literature Festivals: He advocates for children's participation in literature festivals, which expose them to the broader literary community and inspire them through encounters with established writers.
Empowerment through Self-Publishing: In today’s digital age, Coelho encourages young writers to take control of their literary pursuits. He advises them to self-publish, emphasizing that "there are no excuses at this age, everyone can be published."
Bridging the Gap Between the Outdoor and Indoor
One of the most creative aspects of Coelho's teaching methodology involves connecting the outdoors with indoor learning. He proposes an engaging exercise where children label their outdoor discoveries with sticky notes, such as noting that "the flower is as yellow as the sun." These observations, once brought back to the classroom, help children draw connections between their external environment and their internal creative landscapes.
Through his creative strategies and passionate advocacy, Joseph Coelho is paving the way for future generations to discover the joy of poetry. His dedication to blending playful exploration with serious literary craftsmanship offers a new model for literary education—one that promises to cultivate the poets and thinkers of tomorrow.
