A practical manual for teachers, to be used directly in the classroom. The book begins with a series of poetry games, designed to warm up creativity and strengthen the imagination. These are followed by a a series of creative poetry workshops, based on the writer's own experience both as a teacher and poet running workshops in schools, which focus on developing a "poetry base" for young writers. This imaginative base provides a range of poetic techniques and gives pupils experience in developing a repertoire of different forms. The books also offers advice on how to organize an effective workshop, and demonstrates how to teach poetry writing in a dynamic, creative and imaginative way in relationship with the KS3 national framework. Pie Corbett also provides useful advice on working with visiting poets in school, addresses for relevant websites, a list of books for follow-up work and a glossary of poetic forms and techniques. Workshops include: writing from first-hand observation; autobiography - valuing our lives; writing about paintings, sculpture and music; surreal boxes and bags of words; secrets, lies, wishes and dreams; creating images, taking word snapshots; riddles - hiding the truth; red wheelbarrows and messages for mice.