Children break world record for Largest Poetry Lesson

Poet Laura Mucha helped to organise the big record attempt

Children in schools from the UK and around the world have broken a new Guinness World Record for the Largest Poetry Lesson (Multi Venue).

An official checker for Guinness World Records said that 500 schools and 43,516 children were verified as part of the official record.

They also said that more than 125,000 students from more than 1,000 schools took part in the lesson in total, but many did not meet the strict rules for the record to count.

The record-breaking attempt was led by poet Laura Mucha as part of the celebrations for National Poetry Day in October 2024.

As part of the record-attempt Laura and the children at Langstone Primary School, in Portsmouth, also broke the record for Largest Poetry Lesson (Single Venue) with 341 students taking part.

Children from the UK, Spain, Nigeria and The Philippines all took part in the celebrations.

Laura Mucha spoke after the event and said: "I'm thrilled to have brought together so many young people to do and create something so valuable.

"This has taken over my life for quite some time, but I didn't do it on my own – shout out to all the organisations and individuals that helped, and all the teachers and librarians across the globe that complied with the VERY strict evidence requirements on TOP of their full on day jobs.

Thank you to everyone that supported me in this, and particularly National Poetry Day for trusting me and my bonkers idea!" she added.

As part of the lesson Laura and the children co-wrote a special poem about 'what counts' - here it is in full:

'What Do You Think Counts?'

Thousands of children helped Laura to write this poem

I'm counting how many licks to finish a lollipop,

how many times a grown up says "no",

how many marshmallows I can fit in my mouth,

how many times I cry about homework,

how many sticky notes I can put on Mum's face,

how many monsters I have in my head.

I'm counting the days

until I'm a famous tennis player,

days since the war started,

days until I see Daddy,

until I have a friend.

I'm counting on my Nain and Taid

because they give me hugs

and say "sweets cost 1p

back in the day".

And the friends

I don't need to pretend to,

that respect me,

that play.

And my bunny, Binky,

my axolotl, Bob,

because although they eat my homework,

they always keep my secrets safe.

I'm counting on the people in power

to protect the planet,

on teachers

so I can get a good job,

money, a better life,

and my football coach

because

I WANT TO PLAY

IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE.

I'm counting cows on the way to school,

raindrops in my mouth,

memories of people I've lost.

I'm counting on someone

to love me no matter what,

to want the best for me,

keep their promises,

listen,

and keep me safe,

so I don't have to worry so much.

I'm counting on

the small things –

because they all add up.

What do you think counts?