Understanding poems can be a delightful yet challenging endeavour for students. Poetry often uses figurative language, symbolism and unique structures that require a different approach compared to prose. However, with the right strategies and a bit of practice, students can significantly improve their comprehension and appreciation of poetry.
Read Actively: Start by reading the poem attentively. Slow down and consider each word and phrase. This is not a race; it's about soaking in the imagery and emotions the poet is trying to convey.
Analyse the Structure: Pay attention to the poem's form. Is it a sonnet, haiku, free verse or something else? The structure often provides clues about the poet's intent.
Identify Literary Devices: Look for literary devices like similes, metaphors, alliteration and onomatopoeia. Understanding how these devices are used can unlock the deeper meaning of the poem.
Dive into Imagery: Poets often use vivid imagery to evoke emotions. Try to visualise the scenes and emotions the poem describes. This can help you connect with the text on a personal level.
Consider the Tone: The tone of a poem is crucial. Is it joyful, melancholic or something else? Identifying the tone can help you grasp the poet's attitude and emotions.
Examine the Speaker: Determine who the speaker in the poem is. Is it the poet themselves, a fictional character or an object? Understanding the speaker's perspective is essential for interpreting the poem.
Context Matters: Research the historical and cultural context in which the poem was written. Sometimes, historical events or societal norms can provide valuable insights.
Read Aloud: Reading the poem aloud can help you appreciate its rhythm and sound patterns. Pay attention to the musicality of the words and the impact of rhyme and meter.
Read Multiple Times: Poems often reveal more upon each reading. Don't be discouraged if you don't grasp everything on the first pass. Multiple readings can reveal layers of meaning.
Use Annotations: Make notes in the margins or underline key phrases that stand out to you. This can help you track your thought process and insights.
Compare and Contrast: Compare the poem with others you've read. This can highlight common themes or unique features.
Join a Poetry Group: Discussing poems with others can provide fresh perspectives and insights you might not have considered on your own.
Now, let's delve into how reading strategies can be a valuable tool for understanding poetry:
Close Reading: This is a method that involves dissecting a poem line by line, word by word. It allows you to analyse the nuances and symbolism within the text.
Questioning: Ask questions as you read. What is the poet trying to say? Why did they use a particular word or image? This habit of inquiry can lead to deeper comprehension.
Visualisation: Visualise the poem's images in your mind. What mental pictures do they create? This can help you connect emotionally with the poem.
Mind Mapping: Create a visual representation of the poem, linking words, themes and symbols. This can make the poem's structure and connections more apparent.
Identify Patterns: Look for recurring themes, motifs, or symbols. Recognising patterns can lead to a richer interpretation.
Use Resources: Don't hesitate to consult dictionaries, literary reference books or online resources to understand unfamiliar words or cultural references.
Read Analysis: After reading a poem, explore critical analyses by scholars or experts. This can provide valuable insights and interpretations.
Write Your Own Response: Express your thoughts and feelings about the poem in a journal or essay. Writing about the poem can solidify your understanding.
Experiment with Different Styles: Don't limit yourself to one type of poetry. Explore various poets, eras and styles to expand your knowledge and appreciation.
Understanding poems is an art that requires practice, patience and the right strategies. By actively engaging with the text, analysing its structure and literary devices, considering context and using reading strategies, students can enhance their comprehension of poetry. Reading poetry can be a deeply rewarding experience, offering profound insights into the human experience and the power of language. The best readers are also the best able to understand and enjoy poetry, because being able to deal with figurative language only comes to a reader who’s already great at interpreting direct language, meaning it’s one of the clearest hallmarks of advanced reading comprehension.
The strategy of Interpreting Figurative Language in the CARS & STARS Online program sees students tackle abstract language and the idea of thinking about text that might say something different directly to what it really means. Other CARS & STARS Online strategies that inform the ability to deal with abstract, figurative language include Finding Word Meaning in Context; Making Predictions; and Drawing Conclusions and Making Inferences.
However, all twelve of the main, recurring reading strategies that underpin the entirety of the CARS & STARS Online program contribute to being able to read poetic texts in this way. Additionally, the variety of texts that students are exposed to throughout the program mean students undertaking CARS and STARS Online will have a healthy grounding in all types of figurative language as they progress on their reading journey.
If you are interested in learning more about the CARS & STARS Online subscriptions and how they can help children to achieve better results, then sign up for a free trial to be an integral part of your child’s reading success.
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