Poetry is the most natural way of reading for the child. Contrary to what seems to us, those complicated verses that resort to metaphors and rhymes are not very difficult in children's understanding, for it is in childhood that we develop habits and appetites. And to read and understand poetry, no prerequisite is required, on the contrary, the purer we are, the better we digest and take advantage of the content.
In some cases, when parents, teachers or intermediaries resort to poetry as a didactic resource, it is exempt from all its artistic charge, which is the core of its creation and benefit. Reading poetry early on develops a sensitivity in aspects of life with a whole. The poem's function transcends its intention as an educational tool. Its semantic load is influential in the acquisition of behaviors and meanings in childhood.
Many people find it difficult to read poetry, and this is mainly because the poem is often full of metaphors and implies. For this type of reading to be effective, especially in childhood, it is necessary to be clear some things. The poem is a form of communication, it will always pass us a message, an idea or ideal, and to understand it must be open.
Therefore, it is important to teach children to read poems free of intention, just by reading. We do not have to take everything out of the letter, in the end, we take some of everything we read. Encouraging the child to reflect and meditate on what he has read also helps in understanding and stimulates creativity, in addition to contextualizing and setting the work. Finally, poetry has its origin in speech. When it seems difficult to understand - read it aloud. The meaning may be in its declamation, in some words that stand out.
In addition to stimulating the imagination, poetry is an ideal resource for children to become familiar with vocabulary and improve their oral expression; Besides being a medium of transmission of values, of stimulus of creativity and vehicle of reflection. From a certain age, we can stimulate the abstract in children. By properly using poetry appropriate to the child's imagination, we are able to enter the infantile universe, giving it the ability to deal with and experience reality in its various ways.
To think of poetry is to think of a journey: it is always a return experience, an exercise that, every time we do it, we experience a unique experience. But like any exercise, we must have a practice for it to become better and better. So find your favorite authors and enjoy reading!