ALL ABOUT READING AND POETRY

Riddles have a long history and exist in most cultures. A riddle attempts to use language in such a way as to present common things as unfamiliar and then asks its readers/listeners to guess what it is.

Central to the tradition is their use of language: good riddles rely upon creative use of metaphor, simile, and metonymy; concrete imagery; and imaginative presentation and description of an object or concept. Because they are games, riddles are an excellent vehicle for introducing students to poetry and poetry wri Because riddle poems are games as well as poems, they provide an easy and fun way to introduce students to poetry and poetic technique. Moreover, as riddle poems are usually about mundane, concrete objects, they provide an opportunity to write in a poetic genre that avoids getting bogged down in the normal student poetry-writing angst: the belief that poems must be about grand ideas, use grandiose phrases, and make use of end-rhyme.

Some readers immediately love to read poetry, but for many a love of poetry is developed. In helping students develop an appreciation and understanding of poetry, there are two fundamental principles to keep in mind. First, poetry must be read aloud. Second, poetry should be enjoyed.