Speaker: Siw Jones  

Join us for our new programme of Creative Conversations, a series of six short events to inspire the writers and creatives of Wales. This programme will offer open and accessible opportunities to learn about using literature in participatory settings. They are also an opportunity to meet other writers, exchange ideas, share best practice, resources and contacts and enjoy creative conversations with each other. This programme has been developed in response to feedback and consultation sessions we led with writers across Wales throughout 2021

Each 90-minute lunchtime session will be free to attend. Each of our Creative Conversations sessions aim to build the skills and develop the confidence needed to run participatory workshops which use literary activities to benefit the health and well-being of participants. The programme also aims to contribute to building a supportive professional network of writers in Wales who already work within community settings or want to start exploring work in this area.

Join Siw Jones, who has vast experience in the educational sector and in the craft of the cynghanedd, for this Welsh-language session looking at how we can re-introduce the teaching of cynghanedd in schools. 

The cynghanedd is a millennia-old strict meter used in Welsh-language poetry. Using alliteration and rhyme and paying special attention to syllables and stresses in words, this rhythmic and intricate meter takes several years to master. The best poets who have mastered the craft of cynghanedd are awarded the life-long title of Prifardd for winning the main competition at the annual National Eisteddfod, along with the prize of a Chair. A unique craft, the cynghanedd is one of the most treasured aspects of the Welsh language, and we have a responsibility to pass it on to our children and young people.  

This session’s aims to explore how teachers or visiting poets can introduce the cynghanedd to a new generation. Now removed from the curriculum, we will look at ways that schools can encourage the study of the cynghanedd, starting by putting down the foundations of the craft in the primary sector. With the help of visiting poets, online resources, and appealing books on the cynghanedd for young learners, we’ll explore ways of encouraging interest and excitement, with the aim of developing the learners’ understanding and creativity – and safeguarding the cynghanedd for the future. Teachers, poets and anyone interested in the subject are welcome to join this session to listen and contribute to the discussion. 

Participant numbers for each course will be capped at 20, and the courses will be free and delivered through the video platform Zoom.

This event will be in Welsh and will also be captioned. Please note that the Zoom link will be emailed to you in the confirmation email and 24 hours before the event.

We look forward to seeing you there!

For further information on this online event, please contact leusa@llenyddiaethcymru.org

This event is organised by Literature Wales