Poetry
A common misconception is that poetry is a genre, when in fact, it is not. It is actually just a format in which text is presented. Poetry itself can be found in a variety of genres. There are important considerations to make before helping choose poetry for students. To begin with, poetry should be relatable to the reader. Is it something that they will understand. For example, some poetry is more abstract and might not be suitable depending on the student’s development. Rhyme and rhythm are important for early readers of poetry as well.
Accessible imagery is also a key component when choosing poetry for kids. Visualization is important to ensure understanding. The use of imagery should also be age appropriate and add to the reader’s experience. Rhythm guides students through the poem and helps them understand the beat. Teaching meter is not a necessary component for younger readers. Figurative language plays a big role in most poetry. Kids have been taught similes and metaphors throughout school, so those are easier to grasp. However, some literary devices like allegory and allusion are not commonly referred to.
My upper elementary students have always loved reading poetry. They really get into the beat and enjoy the humorous poems the most. They love to read it out loud, find the rhythm, and analyze it, both independently and with a group. I usually begin with having them work in groups because some poetry can be more abstract, so it helps to collaborate.
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