Theme: ‘The Spark of Stillness’

Background:

The writing will be based on the work of Alexander Pushkin, renowned in Russian literature, born in Moscow on May 26^th 1799. Pushkin’s greatest quality lies in his terrific use of language and attention to the five senses of the human body. He is viewed as the creator of modern Russia and is held in the same esteem as we would hold Shakespeare in Britain. The ‘Pushkin Project’ has been around in a limited number of Northern Ireland schools over many years and King’s Park last participated in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

The project is based from the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn at Baronscourt Estate near Omagh. Sadly, within the last couple of years the Duchess passed away but the work continues.

Although the activities lend themselves to plenty of group work it is still something an individual can attempt and hopefully enjoy!

The important thing to remember that no one’s contribution is wrong!

So, what are we going to write?

This week we will focus on: Stillness and Noise

Day 1 (Tuesday) 

• Consider this statement in your thoughts for a moment: Sometimes in today’s world it can be hard to find stillness or quiet moments amid the busyness around!

What is the last noise you just heard?

Close your eyes in stillness for one minute!

Can you hear anything?

Can you describe what you heard? Think of your senses (what might it: sound like, look like, feel like, smell like, taste like). Don’t worry if you can’t include all of these.

• Now listen to this piece of music: Igor Stravinsky’s ‘Rite of Spring’; The link is below: 

• Just listen to several short extracts through louder and quieter sections if preferred.
• Did you like the music?
• Whether you liked or did not like the music then write down why?
• Jot down a few words as to what sort of a scene/s the music conjures up for you?
• What might be happening in the piece of music?
• What scenes of everyday life could it be used to represent?
• You could even draw what you think the music might ‘look like’.
• If you are unable to find this piece of music (for whatever reason) then choose a piece of music of your own and reflect on same questions listed above.

Day 2 (Wednesday)

• Brainstorm sounds we hear in everyday life and make a list (for example: the chatter of children; the hum of an engine).

• You could select from one/some of the following locations: sounds of home; sounds of school; sounds of town; sounds of countryside or a choice of your own.

• Try and create as many phrases detailing sounds as you can.
• Select the best phrases from your list.
• Reorder the phrases selected into a poem. Do not be concerned about rhyme.
• Improve your poem by adding more adjectives to one verse of your choosing.
• Improve your poem by adding to the phrases, for example: the chatter of children, in the queue for lunch.

Remember, there is no right or wrong answer! Make use of your imagination and senses!

Enjoy!

We will piece the collection of poems together for the entire year group.