What Part Can Poetry Play in Reading Progression?

Poetry has power.

That's no over-statement.

Yes, it's a wonderful artform.

It's creative, emotion-inducing, and takes the bland to the beautiful, no matter what the event, the scene or the circumstance.

But what about as a classroom tool?

At Lexonik, we were very interested in the latest research from the National Literacy Trust, which was released today to mark National Poetry Day.

It reflected that more than half of children aren't engaging actively in poetry, and that those who do, experience better wellbeing.

This has prompted us to share our thoughts - based on our thousands of hours delivering our literacy programmes in schools - about the power of poetry for reading development and progression.

1. Enhancing Vocabulary and Language Skills

One of the key benefits of teaching poetry is its ability to expand students’ vocabulary. Poets carefully select words for their meaning, sound, and rhythm, often introducing students to new words, expressions, and figurative language.

Through close reading of poetry, students can uncover the deeper meanings behind words, learning how to use context clues to understand unfamiliar terms.

Poetry also helps students appreciate the flexibility of language. Literary techniques and devices like metaphors, challenge readers to think critically about the language they encounter, encouraging them to be more deliberate and precise with their own writing.

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2. Building Phonological Awareness and Fluency

?The rhythmic nature of poetry, especially in forms like rhyming couplets or limericks, helps students develop phonological awareness—an important foundation for reading fluency.

Phonological awareness refers to the ability to recognise and manipulate sounds in language, which is crucial for early readers.

Poetry’s rhythm, rhyme, and repetition provide a natural structure for practicing these skills.

?When students read poems aloud, they focus on pacing, pronunciation, and expression, all of which contribute to improved fluency.

The musicality of poetry also makes it easier for students to remember lines, making it a useful tool for practicing reading aloud with confidence and fluency.

And, as our CEO Sarah will often say, there's great merit - for teacher and pupil - in introducing rap to reading practice!

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3. Encouraging Comprehension and Critical Thinking

Poetry is often layered with meaning, requiring readers to engage in deeper levels of comprehension.

Through deciphering meaning in poems, students practice skills such as inference and interpretation.

In prose, meaning is typically more explicit, where poetry invites readers to look beneath the surface, interpret symbolism, and explore themes through concise language.

For struggling readers, poetry’s shorter length can feel less daunting than longer passages of text.

Despite being brief, a poem often contains complex ideas, which challenges students to extract meaning from fewer words. This practice not only strengthens comprehension but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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4. Promoting Engagement and Emotional Connection

?Poetry has the power to evoke strong emotional responses, making it an excellent medium for connecting with students on a personal level.

When students can relate to the themes or emotions expressed in a poem, they are more likely to engage with the text.

This emotional connection makes reading feel more relevant and enjoyable, fostering a positive attitude toward literacy.

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What do you think? Do you favour the use of poetry as a literacy and reading development device in school? Let us know what you think. Visit our website and drop us a message or comment on this post.