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 etaphor O nomatopoeia R hyme E motions – use the senses R epetition A lliteration P ersonification S imile

Repetition The divine, merciful, Lord Jesus opens His heart to us all Jesus reaches out to everyone who needs Him Blood flows Jesus’ light glows His love for us forever grows Jesus is opening His heart for us He wants us too to open our hearts to everyone Jesus reaches out to touch each one of us Suffering, dying, loving, merciful, accepting, graceful, trusting, strong, cleansing, Alliteration Robes regally reveal radiance Healing heart hears The Lord’s light languidly shines Onomatopoeia Personification Robes comforting Light smiling Darkness calling Metaphor Jesus is love is mercy is peace is goodness is holy is grace is forgiveness is trust Simile His eyes are as loving as a mother’s kiss His heart is a deep as the ocean He 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