The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

Going on Residential

Listen to Helen's poem ...
A few of my essential tips, for going on residential trips:
● DO remember lots of clothes (you’ll be surprised how far mud goes!)
● DON’T forget your favourite bear (you’ll miss him if he isn’t there)
● DO be brave and try new things (like climbing walls and Tarzan swings)
● DON’T forget to get some sleep (or you’ll be crumpled in a heap)
● DO contribute to your group (you’ll find new friends among your troop)
● DO squeeze every ounce of fun until the residential’s done!

About the Writer


Helen Dineen

Helen is an educational writer, originally from Edinburgh and now based in Southampton. Her first short poetry book 'The Incredible Whale and other poems' was published by Collins Big Cat in 2021. She has also had poems published by The Caterpillar and Bloomsbury. Helen previously worked in a primary school, and some of her best memories are of practising poems with the children, for them to perform in assembly.