Teaching Poetry ─ Reading and Responding to Poetry in the Secondary Classroom

Teaching Poetry is an indispensible source of guidance, confidence and ideas for all those new to the secondary English classroom. Written by experienced teachers who have worked with the many secondary pupils who ‘don’t get’ poetry, this friendly guide will help you support pupils as they access, understand, discuss and enjoy classic and contemporary poetry.

With an emphasis on active approaches and the power of poetry to enrich the lives of both teachers and students, Teaching Poetry:

• Provides a succinct introduction to the major ideas and theory about teaching poetry
• Covers the key genres and periods through tried and tested favourites and a range of less well known new and historical poetry
• Illustrates good practice for every approach covered, through case studies of theory and ideas in action in the classroom
• Includes activities, ideas and resources to support teaching at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.

Teaching Poetry tackles head on one of the aspects of English teaching that new and experienced teachers alike find most difficult. It offers both a comprehensive introduction to teaching poetry and a rich source of inspiration and support to be mined when faced with an unfamiliar text or an unresponsive class.

Amanda Naylor is Lecturer in English Education at Hull University, Lecturer in English at Selby College and visiting tutor at York University, UK.

Audrey B. Wood is Head of KS3 English at a mixed comprehensive school in South London, UK. She is also a teacher trainer and school-based tutor for in-service masters level accreditation.