POETRY AND BIAS IN THE PRIMARY-SCHOOL

This paper considers the place of poetry in the primary curriculum. The importance of poetry in children's learning is established through reference to existing research; current practice in the selection of poetry for primary school children is addressed The paper suggests that while poetry is a distinctive form of discourse, it should be selected according to the same criteria as other literature, so that it neither promotes prejudice nor omits reference to our diverse world. The paper concludes that poems must be selected both for their intrinsic quality and their potential as a resource in a curriculum for equality.