Poetry in the New Curriculum – Why It Matters 📚✍️
In the past, poetry often played only a small part in primary literacy lessons. It was seen as the “poor relation” of writing. Teachers might cover it for two weeks, then move on quickly.
Old curriculum guidelines added to the problem. They required very specific teaching in certain year groups. This left little freedom for teachers to adapt to their classes.
The new curriculum, however, has changed everything. And it has changed for the better.
👉 In my Poetry Days in primary schools across the UK I work hard to get the children excited about writing and performing their own poems. I visit over 100 schools every year and I’d love to work with your children and teachers.
📅 You can book me for:
In-person Poetry Days across the UK
Online Poetry Workshops (affordable and flexible)
➡ Secure your date here: Poets in Schools – Ian Bland
Poetry Takes Centre Stage 🎤
“Memorising and reciting are prevalent in all parts of the new National Curriculum, with poetry taking centre stage in English. From Year One onwards children will have to learn and recite poems by heart while recognising and discussing different poetic forms.”
— Curriculum Vital
Poetry is now central to literacy in England and Wales. Teachers are free to explore many different types of poems. They can also revisit poetry throughout the year.
The expectation is clear: children should read, recite, share, and enjoy a wide range of good-quality poems. The emphasis is now on fun, freedom, and passion.
👉 For some tried-and-tested inspiration, see my blog Poems for KS2 Children to Learn and Perform.
How Teachers Can Use This Freedom ✨
So, what should we do with this opportunity? On my visits to schools, I am often asked this question. Here are two simple tips to start with:
Build a strong library. Make sure your class has plenty of modern, engaging poetry books. Many classrooms I visit have too few.
Keep it relaxed. Don’t make poetry too formal. Give children space to share and enjoy it without pressure.
Most importantly, let children perform poetry. Performance builds confidence. It also strengthens oracy and makes poems memorable.
👉 Explore my Performance Poetry in Primary Schools blog for more ideas.
Michael Rosen’s Advice 🎥
Michael Rosen has some excellent ideas in his video blog Creating a Poetry-Friendly Classroom. You can watch it here: Michael Rosen Poetry Tips.
Some of his suggested activities include:
Read poems at the end of the day. This lets children enjoy poetry without extra tasks.
Stage a poetry swap. Pupils bring in a favourite poem and explain why they love it.
Create a poetry show. Perform for another class, year group, or even parents.
Make poem posters. Children illustrate a poem and display it in class.
Turn poems into art. Use verse to inspire painting, pottery, or sculpture.
Keep a poetry notebook. Encourage children to write down ideas whenever they appear.
Turn a poem into a play. Narrative poems like The Highwayman work perfectly.
Host a poetry cabaret. Families join after school to write and perform poems together.
👉 For more cross-curricular inspiration, see How to Use Poetry Across the Curriculum in Primary Schools.
Why This Matters 🌟
Some teachers worry that memorising and reciting poetry feels old-fashioned. I believe the opposite is true.
This is a progressive move. It connects children with our diverse literary heritage. It also gives them tools for confidence, memory, and performance.
Poetry should not be limited to literacy lessons. It can enrich every subject, from history to science.
👉 My blog 10 Fun Poetry Activities for KS2 shows how easy it is to bring variety into lessons.
Final Thought 💡
Britain has a rich oral tradition of poetry. Let’s share it with our children. Let them learn poems by heart, perform them proudly, and use them in their wider learning.
👉 Looking for staff training? Explore my Poetry CPD for Primary Teachers.
