The root of “spirit” is the Latin spirare, to breathe. Whatever lives on the breath, then, must have its spiritual dimension— including poetry The Poetry Foundation

Spiritual writing doesn’t have to be writing a liturgy or prayers or preaching to anyone

Spiritual writing is using the foremost human art form – language

Spiritual writing can encourage the exploration of deep questions and allow the expression of our innermost feelings and imaginings

Spiritual writing allows us to share our most valued experiences with others

Developing religious and emotional literacy

Nurturing empathy and compassion

Deepening spirituality

Use stimulating objects, works of art or pieces of scripture as a starting point

Think about the vocabulary you will need to use to ensure that you are thinking spiritually

Create a bank of words or phrases as you go along to support you

Your poems DON’T have to rhyme – this can be restrictive

M etaphorO nomatopoeiaR hymeE motions – use the senses

R epetitionA lliterationP ersonificationS imile

RepetitionThe divine, merciful, Lord

Jesus opens His heart to us allJesus reaches out to everyone who needs Him

Blood flowsJesus’ light glowsHis love for us forever grows

Jesus is opening His heart for usHe wants us too to open our hearts to everyoneJesus reaches out to touch each one of us Suffering, dying, loving, merciful, accepting, graceful, trusting, strong, cleansing, Alliteration

Robes regally reveal radianceHealing heart hears

The Lord’s light languidly shines

Onomatopoeia

PersonificationRobes comforting

Light smiling Darkness calling

MetaphorJesus is love is mercyis peace is goodness

is holy is graceis forgiveness is trust Simile

His eyes are as loving as a mother’s kiss His heart is a deep as the oceanHe glows like a candle in the darkest of nights His eyes shine like the stars in the galaxy His aura fills the room like the Holy Spirit

Rhyme

Emotions

Chose one of the A3 templates to prompt discussion about the image and record ideas, words or phrases - you can work alone or in groups of 2 or 3

Use a selection of MORERAPS - you don’t have to use them all at once but you do need to ensure you are using key religious vocabulary - use the word bank to help you

You don’t have to use the MORERAPS but this makes your writing more exciting and will make cross curricular links to literacy

Read your poem out loud How does it sound? Have you chosen the best vocabulary to portray what you

want to say? Have you used two or more words where one will do? How does it make you feel? Now read it to a friend – what do they think of it? Can you make any improvements? Celebrate your achievements Share how you could adapt and use this idea in your

classroom