Have you ever written a poem?
On 3 October 2024, thousands of kids participated in the world’s largest poetry lesson EVER, breaking a record AND writing a beautiful poem in the process!
But how did they manage that exactly?
Well, the successful author of kids’ books Laura Mucha gathered the submissions of all these children, where they answered the question: “What do you think counts?”.
Then, she turned them into one amazing poem! 👩🏫
She did that to celebrate National Poetry Day, which is observed on the first Thursday of October every year.
And how many kids participated?
Overall, the massive lesson included a whopping 43,516 participants aged 7-12 from the UK, Spain, Nigeria and the Philippines. Wow! 🌎
Of course, they all had the chance to purchase their very own, and totally official, certificates of participation, proving they are Officially Amazing.
Laura’s son was also taking part in the attempt…
“His Certificate of Participation is proudly on display in his room,” Laura told us.
Where would you hang yours?!
So, do you want to read their poem, full of things that these kids think count?
Here it is:
I'm counting how many licks to finish a lollipop,
how many times a grown up says "no",
how many marshmallows I can fit in my mouth,
how many times I cry about homework,
how many sticky notes I can put on Mum's face,
how many monsters I have in my head.
I'm counting the days
until I'm a famous tennis player,
days since the war started,
days until I see Daddy,
until I have a friend.
I'm counting on my Nain and Taid
because they give me hugs
and say "sweets cost 1p
back in the day".
And the friends
I don't need to pretend to,
that respect me,
that play.
And my bunny, Binky,
my axolotl, Bob,
because although they eat my homework,
they always keep my secrets safe.
I'm counting on the people in power
to protect the planet,
on teachers
so I can get a good job,
money, a better life,
and my football coach
because
I WANT TO PLAY
IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE.
I'm counting cows on the way to school,
raindrops in my mouth,
memories of people I've lost.
I'm counting on someone
to love me no matter what,
to want the best for me,
keep their promises,
listen,
and keep me safe,
so I don't have to worry so much.
I'm counting on
the small things –
because they all add up.
What do you think counts?
Did you like it? What else do you think counts? 🤔
Well, according to Laura, the kids are what counts. She said:
“I think what counts is each one of you. Thank you for breaking this record with me.
“And I hope anyone who reads it reflects on what actually matters to young people – and how we could give them more of a voice.”
Congratulations, guys, and welcome to the Guinness World Records family! ❤️
