Prize-winning poet and guitarist James Carter gives lively, high-energy poetry (with guitar) performances with the express intention of captivating and motivating young writers. A former lecturer in Creative Writing/Children's Literature at Reading University, James is the author of nine popular children's poetry titles (Walker Books, Macmillan, Frances Lincoln) and four critically-acclaimed creative writing books for teachers (Taylor & Francis).

James is in high demand for his practical INSET courses as well as his KS2 Gifted and Talented days. He was the major contributor to the highly popular CBeebies series, Poetry Pie, now available at the CBeebies website.

James offers:

• Poetry Performances for Foundation Stage / KS1 / KS2
• Poetry Workshops for Years 1 – 6
• Gifted & Talented Poetry Writing Days for KS2
• INSET for teachers – writing poetry / performing poetry / writing fiction at KS1/KS2
• Residencies in Primary Schools
• Parent evenings – performances/workshops

Responses to James’ visits to schools:

“Every school deserves a visit from James Carter!”
KS2 literacy co-ordinator, Camberwell, London

“James performances were a huge hit from every class from Foundation up to Year 6. The children produced some excellent poems in the workshops!”
Headteacher, South Oxfordshire

“Best INSET I've ever been to!”
Literacy Co-ordinator, Oxford

“Thankyou for sharing your brilliant poems – you really inspired me”
(Year 5 girl)

“Your poems were fandabadozy! I enjoyed them as much as I enjoy watching Man U score a goal.”
(Year 6 boy)

“James Carter was a breath of fresh air in our school. He changed the children's concept of poetry and poets. The children were enthralled by his unquie approach to writing and the work they produced in his workshop was exciting.”
Literacy Co-ordinator

"A wonderful afternoon and fantastic ideas for poetry writing. James helped us develop our skills of rapping and to tap into personal depths of imagination and metaphor, leaving us with real enthusiasm to go back into school with a fresh approach."

Literacy Consultant

"James Carter's enthusiasm for poetry is infectious. His ideas for inspiring children to write poetry are simple yet very effective. Children thoroughly enjoyed his workshops and staff have found his INSET sessions really worthwhile and very useful. He has provided us with plenty of poetry treasures to keep in our pocket for another time!"

Headteacher

Publications Include...

Cars Stars Electric Guitars
Poems in many forms and voices for 7-11 year olds
Pub. Walker Books
October 2002

Hey Little Bug! Poems for Little Creatures
Poetry collection for 3-6 year olds
Published by Hands Up Books
April 2007

Time Travelling Underpants Poetry collection for 7-11 year olds
Pub. Macmillan
August 2007