Shape Poetry
Making Shapes with Words
Shape poems are images made out of words.
Shape poems can be full sentences, phrases, or even single words in the shape of the object they describe.
Beginner
Look at shape poems with your child.
Tip: Ask your child to point out words that they recognize.
Intermediate
Help your child create simple shape poems with words or short phrases.
Tip: Describe the park, the characteristics of a tree, the colors of a rainbow.
Experienced
Encourage your child to write a few descriptive sentences and help them form the sentences into a shape that relates to their description.
Tip: Descriptive writing often includes the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch) as well as emotions.
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Why is this important?
Shape poetry offers a fun way to develop vocabulary and build interest in reading and writing.
References: Maynard, S., Davies, J. E., & Robinson, R. (2005). Poetry for pleasure: promoting poetry to children in public libraries. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 37(1), 35–43. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000605052158 Mueller, L. (1969). Concrete poetry: Creative writing for all students. The English Journal, 58(7), 1053–1056.https://doi-org.uwinnipeg.idm.oclc.org/10.2307/811779