David’s poems and stories appear in more than 100 books for children and he has a number of collections for adults. He was a teacher for 29 years, 15 of them as headteacher of a successful primary school. He has worked nationally as poet, Drama specialist and Inset provider in both LAs and schools. David has performed in schools, colleges, theatres and front rooms all over the country. Thousands of children and teachers have become more confident writers through his knowledgeable intervention and guidance. He has an MA in Writing Studies from Sheffield Hallam University where he currently teaches the MA in Writing for Children as well as BA Creative Writing.
david, looking fresh after a stimulating day in school, developing oracy through poetry and drama
‘Brilliant’ Gurteak Year 6 ‘Dead funny’ Paige Y 2
‘He made me laugh and I liked his poems’ Dan Y9
‘An excellent contribution to oracy, literacy and writing throughout the school’ Jill Quinlivan, Primary Headteacher Sandwell.
To book David, please contact :-
01302 571835, weekends and evenings
email: harmer.david@yahoo.com
website: http://www.davidharmer.com
Some of David’s latest publications include;
AS WRITER
Spill The Beans (with Paul Cookson)
It’s Behind You (with Paul)
It Came From Outer Space (with Paul)
Pirate Poems
The Truth About Teachers (with Brian Moses, Paul Cookson and Roger Stevens)
The Truth About Parents (as above)
AS EDITOR
How To Survive School
All titles are available from Macmillans Children’s Books
Plus the new CD ‘Stinkerman’s Revenge’
‘David is a very good poet and an excellent performer.
I love his work.’
Gaby Morgan Editorial Director, Macmillans Children’s Books.
Specialist in Primary Drama
Poet and fiction writer/performer
Inset provider
Does all his own ironing
Poet / Performer:
A typical day includes a lively, fun-packed performance to all or part of the school, followed by workshops with individual classes or groups. David works alongside teachers to help pupils develop their own work, writing prose, poetry or performance based pieces. There is an emphasis on enjoyment and fun, exploring the enriching possibilities that writing offers everyone.
Drama In The Primary School
David trained as a Drama student and continued to develop his skills and knowledge in Drama throughout his career.
He now works extensively in this field, providing high quality Drama work with pupils in schools, modelling strategies outlined in the new Primary strategy and linking Drama to writing. This is especially relevant to schools concerned with the issue of boys and literacy,
*Children will enjoy writing in a range of genres developed from experiencing high quality Drama.
*Teachers will learn to use a range of drama conventions, linked to new National guidelines, to enrich the spoken and written language of their pupils
‘Doing drama with David is great and it’s fun.’ Liam Y6
Inset Provider:
David has run a great many Inset sessions and Training Days for LAs across the country, as well as for networks of schools. Much of this work has been in Drama, relating directly to the new Primary strategy and linking Drama to writing. David can also provide Inset work on poetry, for both performance and for the page.
Sheffield Hallam University, MA in Creative Writing.
David teaches Writing For Children on the MA. If you are interested in applying for this course, or any of the other options offered by the MA, contact the Course Administrator on 0114 2253244
Spill The Beans:
David is part of the successful performance duo “Spill The Beans”, which will perform during your book week, at an evening event, or in school. This highly original show is an explosion of performance poetry that guarantees fun for everyone.
‘Ten out of ten! Great performance lads!’
Sir Bobby Robson.
david reading one of his Key Stage 2 poetry books in his office, where he prepares his poetry and drama workshops
