I am Joshua Seigal – a poet, performer and workshop leader based in London. After completing two degrees in Philosophy I started to realise that I am more interested in people than in merely abstract ideas. I went on to complete an MA in Writing/Education at Goldsmiths College. I have been described by teachers as inspirational and a positive male role model. I have performed my poems at schools, nurseries, festivals, libraries, museums and bookshops around the country, as well as leading workshops in which children have produced award-winning poetry. I am able to work IN PERSON or VIRTUALLY
Exciting Performances
My performances are fun, educational and interactive, and are intended to demonstrate that poetry can be about much more than simply reading and writing: it can also be about listening, watching, participating and enjoying! My performances are varied, from humorous and nonsense poetry to poems dealing with serious themes. I truly bring words to life!
Award-Winning Workshops
Participants in my workshops have gone on to win various poetry competitions. My workshops are intended to help children of all abilities develop literacy skills (including emotional literacy) and have fun with words in a creative, supportive and non-judgemental atmosphere. They will emerge from my workshops with an appreciation for the wonder and power of language, and, depending on age, with their own poems!
Inspiring Residencies
I regularly undertake long term work at schools. This typically involves working with various classes over the course of several days, or even weeks, or else at regular intervals throughout the school term or year. The outcomes can be truly inspirational! My experience includes residencies at the following schools:
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Cranleigh Prep School (2022-23)
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Fleetville Infant School (since 2014)
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Somerset Literacy Network (2019-20)
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E-ACT academy chain (2018-19)
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St Mary's RC Primary, Uxbridge (since 2018)
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Bursted Wood Primary, Bexleyheath (since 2018)
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John Wycliffe Primary School, Leicestershire (since 2018)
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Hallsville Primary School, Newham (since 2018)
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Regents High School (2018)
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Stalham High School, Norfolk (2014-17)
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Beatrix Potter Primary School, London (2015/16)
Special Offer
If you book me to run a themed day, I'll write a special poem, on that theme, just for your school! Have a look at some examples:
I have completed courses in Prevent Training and Child Safeguarding (Level 1), and have undertaken work with the following organisations, amongst others: The Poetry Society, Authors Abroad, Make Believe Arts, Eastside Educational Trust, Discover Children's Story Centre, Brixton Learning Collaborative, Patron of Reading, Comedy Club 4 Kids, Step Teachers, Hercules Education UK, Authors Aloud, Southbank Centre, Betjeman Poetry Prize, Potential Plus UK, Every Child Our Future (Jersey), The Poetry Takeaway, Reading Realm App, Plazoom App, Bupa Foundation, The BBC, Stephen Spender Trust, Poetry By Heart, Coram Beanstalk, The Story Museum, Twinkl