Nearly 6000 pupils join an online Live Lesson with Joseph Coelho

Earlier in November, pupils across England and Cardiff had the chance to meet a very special guest through our Schools Linking Live Online Lesson. We were delighted to welcome Joseph Coelho, poet, author and Children’s Laureate 2022-24, for an engaging and interactive live lesson. 

A total of 198 classes joined the event, meaning that 5,940 pupils had the chance to hear directly from Joseph, write alongside him and learn what inspires him as a writer.

Joseph even shared with everyone his own version of the I am, I wonder poem. Through reflecting on questions such as Who am I?, the poem gives pupils an opportunity to explore aspects of their identity. 

“I am… the ink of a pen forever flowing stories like a river.

I wonder… about the hopes of stars, the dreams of mountains and the laughter of rain.

I hear… the tinkle of thoughts within me forever searching for the nuggets of gold.

I hope… to heal with my words, to create a balm with my tales.

I am… the ink of a pen forever flowing stories like a river.”

(Joseph’s I am, I wonder poem)

Teachers shared how engaged their pupils were, with whole classes writing along, sharing lines in the chat and proudly reading their finished poems aloud. 

“The children loved it! Joseph even read out one of the poems we wrote in the chat, which caused great excitement.” – Linking Teacher, Bristol

We also asked Joseph to share one of his own poems, and he chose ‘Nice To Meet You’, a poem that reflects on how our voices and identities change depending on where we are – at home, with friends or in school or work.

Through the live lesson, Joseph showed pupils how writing can help us explore identity, belonging and all the different parts that make us who we are.

We are so thankful to Joseph for his enthusiasm, warmth and for making the session so interactive and engaging for every child.

“It’s so lovely to be a part of this!” –  Joseph Coelho