National Poetry Day is Thursday 4 October 2012, and the theme is 'stars'.

During National Poetry Day, people all over the UK take part in a celebration of great poetry.

Each year there's a theme - 2011 was 'games', 2010 was 'home' - and this year we'll be exploring starry poems, from the night sky to fame's spotlight.  There'll be stars on our poem postcards, dazzlingly starry posters to download and print, and shining ideas for teaching and activities.

Order National Poetry Day cards from June 2012 

Each year, the Scottish Poetry Library produces 8 poem postcards, with 4 poems specially accessible for primary age children, and 4 poems more suitable for secondary school students and older readers.

Scottish schools can make one order per school, costing only £12 distribution fee whether you want just 1 pack (80 cards) or up to 12 packs (or 960 cards). 

And you can choose whether you want a primary pack (20 x 4 poem cards suitable for primary school pupils), or a secondary pack suitable for a mixed age/ability range (10 x all 8 poem cards).

All schools in Scotland will receive an order email with information and order form in June 2012, and again in August 2012 just before the deadline. Ask your administration colleagues to keep an eye out for this email. Alternatively, you'll be able to download an order form right here from June 2012.

(Members of the public can pick up cards from participating library authorities, use the download resources provided, or send us a SAE for a single set of the printed cards.)

National Poetry Day free download resources

From early August 2012, you'll find the poems, teachers' notes and posters right here.

Visit the National Poetry Day Website www.nationalpoetryday.co.uk