Literary metaphors in the process of (self)modelling and development of a young reader

Abstract

The paper presents the results of research on children’s metaphorical predispositions, i.e. the ability to understand, recognize and create metaphors. The research was carried out among children aged 6-9 during reading workshops as part of the 5 Coupons of Culture of the Małopolska Region, acquired by the author. The material is an attempt to indicate the value of literary metaphors in the education, therapy and upbringing of children. The literary metaphors used during the research have created planes that enable individual reading of the meaning of the text. In understanding the meanings of metaphors, the context of their use also played an important role. “Load-bearing” provided the texts with simple and legible metaphors, while at the same time appealing to young audiences. Thanks to metaphors, the world created in reading became universal, but young readers related it to personal experiences, discovering the convergence between their own lives and the creation of a work. It is worthwhile extracting and using the didactic and therapeutic dimension of metaphors in working with children and treat it as an important factor supporting the teaching process.