Creative utilization of poetry in primary education: the case of Odysseas Elytis in kindergarten

In this paper we attempt to approach the issue of poetry in the modern Greek school, specifically at the kindergarten level, on a theoretical and practical basis. Starting from the need to free poetry and its pedagogical utilization from a conventional and sterile approach, we focus on the prerequisites for an essential didactic use of poetry, and we highlight the qualities that make Elytis’ s poetry accessible to kindergarten students. On a practical level we propose ideas and activities that serve a creative use of poetry in the context of preschool education.