SUMMER LEARNING CHALLENGE: READ

WEEK 2: SHAPE ADVENTURE

CONCRETE POETRY WORKBOOK

To earn this week's READ Badge, use words to create shapes by crafting your own concrete poems. This activity guide will help you get started!

WWW.SSF.NET/KIDS Concrete Poetry A concrete poem is also called a shape poem, because the words of the poem take the shape of the poem's subject.

Concrete poems do not have to or follow any other poetic word pattern. The most important thing is that the words create a matching picture. Examples There are two ways to create concrete poetry. The first is called outline form. In this form, the words of the poem are used to outline or to fill in the shape of that object. Here are two examples:

The second is to write in drawing form. In this form, the uses the words of the poem to create a scene. Here are two examples: Drawing Activity Experiment with these words, writing them in a way that portrays their meanings:

Roller Coaster

Explode

Wavy

Crowded

Shrinking

Poetry Worksheet Let's use an ice cream cone for inspiration. Take a look at this outline:

Think of words that represent this image to you, and write them in the box below. You can describe , objects, or activities.

Circle your favorite words (the words you want to use in your poem). Write a Poem Using the words you just brainstormed, write your poem here. Don't try to make it into a shape yet; just focus writing the words!

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______(Remember, it does not have to rhyme.) Concrete Poetry Template Use this template to give your poem its shape! Write your poem around outline of this picture, or use your words to fill the space inside. Shape Ideas Now you are ready to choose your own topic for a poem. These shapes have been used often in concrete poetry. However, you can choose to create any image that you want - the possibilities are endless! Poetry Worksheet Once you have chosen a topic for your poem, write the subject here and add a small sketch of the shape:

Think of words that represent this image to you, and write them in the box below. You can describe feelings, objects, or activities.

Circle your favorite words (the words you want to use in your poem). Write a Poem Using the words you just brainstormed, write your poem here. Don't try to make it into a shape yet; just focus on writing the words!

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______(Remember, it does not have to rhyme.) Concrete Poetry Template Use a pencil to lightly sketch the shape of your poem. Write your poem around outline of this picture, or use your words to fill the space inside.

After you have written the poem, you can erase the lines of your template so that only the words create that shape. Enhance your Work To make your poem even more artistic, cut it out and glue it to a colorful background. You can also add color and other decorations to the page around it.

Share your poems with us!

@ssflibrary Email: [email protected] Learn More Check out these fun library resources:

Recommended Reading: Link to our catalog for a list of our favorite concrete poetry .

TeachingBooks.net: Pair the titles on our reading list with complementary multimedia content.

Scholastic Teachables: Log on with your library card to access even more fun concrete poetry activities.