Children’s author in city to help teachers inspire their pupils

Jun 12 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

ONE of the UK’s top authors and poets, Michael Rosen, was in the city yesterday to help teachers inspire pupils.

Rosen – whose award-winning picture book classic, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, has delighted millions of children worldwide – attended Liverpool’s annual Primary Literacy Conference.

The theme of the conference, attended by 50 teachers from across Merseyside, was “celebrating creativity”.

Rosen, 62, in his role as Children’s Laureate, encourages children to read and write stories and poetry, and gave tips to teachers about how to engage children with literacy.

Liverpool City Council’s executive member for education, Cllr Keith Turner, said: “Our Primary Literacy Conference is an excellent way for teachers to share ideas and innovation, and discuss new ways of connecting with pupils.

“It’s vital we give children good reading and writing skills and the ability to express themselves creatively if we are to help them thrive in their academic lives.

“I’m delighted an acclaimed author like Michael Rosen joined teachers at this event.

“He is an inspirational figure who really knows how to capture the imaginations of young people and unlock their creative potential.

“I’m sure he passed on some valuable tips to our teachers.”

Rosen was selected as the Children’s Laureate in 2007 in recognition of his contribution to literature for young readers.