In what way does poetry contribute to reading development?

Poetry plays a significant role in reading development by enhancing phonemic awareness through the use of rhythm and rhyme. The structure of poetry often incorporates various sound patterns, which can help students recognize and manipulate sounds in words. This is critical in developing early reading skills, as phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. The musical quality of poetry encourages phonological awareness, making it easier for students to decode unfamiliar words and improving their overall reading fluency.

Through rhythmic patterns and rhyming schemes, students become more attuned to the sounds of language, which lays a strong foundation for further reading skills, including spelling and comprehension. Engaging with poetry can also make the reading experience enjoyable and memorable, stimulating an interest in reading that can extend beyond the classroom.