Playful Poems! For kids aged 7-11

Created for National Poetry Day 2025 and inspired by the theme of Play, this fun workshop explores how poets experiment with language, meaning, and imagination.

We start by looking at how poetry bends and twists words in surprising ways. Then participants jump into a fast-paced game of Rock Paper Anything, where they’re challenged to think beyond themselves and become someone, or something, else. An object, an animal, or even an abstract idea.

Using this game as a starting point for imagining ourselves as something else, participants write mask poems from the perspective of their chosen voice. The workshop finishes with an opportunity to share and perform our poems in a supportive and friendly environment.

Workshops are designed and delivered by Steve Sobolewski, founder of StoryMatters. Steve is a poet, writer and educator. He holds a first-class degree in Creative Writing from Birkbeck College, University of London, where he was honoured with the Michael Donaghy Prize for Poetry. Steve has worked with children of all ages in a wide variety of educational and community settings across London and Sydney since 2022.

This workshop is free, thanks to funding from Arts Council England.

Suited to primary school-aged children, this is not a drop-off workshop: a parent/carer must remain onsite.

Practical Details:

All children must be accompanied by a parent/carer who can join in or relax in our seating area. Please ensure you register each child with their own ticket.

Our building is not (yet) fully accessible, there are steps down to the toilets which are not suitable for wheelchair users or those who need assistance.