Michael Rosen Day

Resource type: Event

Price band: Free

Key stage: KS1, KS2, KS3

Region(s): All of UK

Michael Rosen Day is a day dedicated to celebrating creativity, poetry and reading, all inspired by the work of one of the UK’s best-loved children’s authors and poets. Michael Rosen Day 2026 takes place on Thursday 12 November. The theme for this year is Silly School Stuff.

The aim of Michael Rosen Day is to make reading, listening to and writing poetry enjoyable and accessible for all. Supporting resources include:

A 2026 Poetry Party Planner with book-based ideas and activities to help schools bring poetry to life through performance, writing, rhythm and rhyme (released 10 September 2026).
A Silly Schools poetry competition (launching 10 September 2026).
An online Poetry Party event with Michael Rosen on 12 November 2026.

Cost: Free with registration.

About Michael Rosen:Michael Rosen is a multi-award-winning poet, a popular radio broadcaster, distinguished critic and academic, and one of the most popular authors for children. Michael was the Children’s Laureate from 2007 to 2009, and is now Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Further resources:

Explore Michael Rosen’s YouTube channel to find performance videos of your favourite Michael Rosen poems, including a recording of his 2024 Big 50 Year Show at the Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich and tips on how to create a Poetry Friendly Classroom.
Explore a bank of over 50 short videos of Michael reading his poems and discussing his writing on the National Poetry Centre for School’s website.
Sign up to take part in this year’s CLiPPA Shadowing Scheme, which provides free teaching plans and video resources to enable schools to explore the poetry collections shortlisted for the UK’s leading award for published poetry for children.
Find more resources to support the teaching of poetry here.