Making Poetry Matter: International Research on Poetry Pedagogy

In this review of Making Poetry Matter, the book is recommended for teachers and researchers seeking evidence-based approaches to poetry pedagogy across ages 5 to 19; its single biggest strength is the way international case studies link theory to classroom practice. The collection brings together contributions from recognised scholars and offers concrete examples ranging from urban primary classrooms to post-16 contexts, making it valuable for practitioners who want practical ideas grounded in research rather than abstract argument.

Key Features

• International perspectives: Contributors from different contexts provide comparative insights that help teachers adapt methods across cultural and classroom settings.
• Case study focus: Classroom case studies ensure theory is directly connected to observable teaching and learning practices.
• Age range coverage: The book addresses learners aged 5 to 19, making it useful for primary, secondary and further education practitioners.
• Multimodal and digital poetry: Discussion of digital poetry and multimodality offers relevant strategies for contemporary, technology-aware classrooms.
• Addressing resistance: Chapters that consider resistance to poetry, especially in post-16 English, give tools for engaging reluctant learners.

Who It's For

Making Poetry Matter is best for classroom teachers, literacy coordinators and teacher educators who want research-informed methods to teach reading, writing, speaking and listening through poetry. Those delivering CPD or designing curriculum resources will find the case studies and international comparisons particularly useful for adapting approaches to local needs.

Researchers and postgraduate students in education and English literature will appreciate the scholarly contributions, though readers seeking a single-author, step-by-step teacher manual should look elsewhere; the book is a researched collection of perspectives rather than a scripted lesson-by-lesson guide.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical case studies bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice for ages 5 to 19.
• Coverage of digital poetry and multimodality provides contemporary, applicable strategies.
• International contributor base offers varied viewpoints useful for comparative pedagogy.
• Focus on resistance to poetry helps teachers develop approaches for reluctant learners, especially post-16.

Cons

• The edited collection format means depth varies between chapters, so not every contribution will suit every reader.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Making Poetry Matter is a useful, research-informed collection for educators who want to ground poetry teaching in real classrooms and contemporary contexts. Its combination of case studies, attention to digital forms and frank discussion of resistance makes it good value for practitioners and researchers seeking adaptable strategies rather than scripted lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book include classroom examples?
Yes, contributors use case studies to link theory to classroom practice across a range of age groups.

Is this suitable for primary teachers?
Yes, the collection includes chapters addressing teacher attitudes and methods in urban primary classrooms.

Will it help with teaching digital poetry?
Yes, the book discusses digital poetry and multimodality and offers contemporary approaches relevant to technology-rich classrooms.