A timely and much needed collection of research essays which probe the current teaching of poetry at all stages of schooling.
English in Education
Both [this book and Making Poetry Happen] offer reassuring and affirming accounts of the innate power of poetry as a means of expressing identity and individuality in the classroom. ... [They] replace fears and anxieties with practical strategies and evidence of how creative and shared approaches to poetry can empower students within the classroom environment and beyond.
The Use of English
This rich and invigorating book provides a much-needed argument for the place of poetry in 21st century English curriculum, and a grounded and practical resource for reading, teaching, writing, analysing, performing and making poetry. Bringing together academics, practicing poets and classroom teachers, it offers a set of nuanced and wide ranging reflections on the pragmatics and possibilities of teaching poetry and timely and sensitive instances of good pedagogy and responsive teaching in current times. It will be warmly welcomed by English and literacy teachers, academics and the profession alike. Most importantly, it provides real opportunities to make a difference; to enhance and open up the experience of literature in young people’s lives.
Catherine Beavis, Professor of Education, Griffith University, Australia