I love words, so to think you can use words like Legos to construct something visual is exciting to me. Concrete poetry is like eating a piece of vocabulary candy. It’s not difficult and it’s fun. No rules. Instant gratification. I’ve seen students and adults who think they can’t write poetry have fun with concrete poetry. Put it in your teacher or parent tool box. We’ve doodled some great concrete poetry waiting at all those places you wait in life.
My 8 year old loves concrete poetry…and glitter pens.
Simplify for your littlest ones. I taught my 5 year old about concrete poem by starting simple and using his love of basketball. He traced a plate for the ball, then we saw how many times he could write “ball” inside of it.
The kids and I have enjoyed a stack of Doug Florian books from our trip to the library this week and are on the hunt for others. Here’s a few on my wish list.
Whether you’re a teacher or parent, write poetry with your kids. Mess up. Laugh about it. Show them when you’re stuck. Share with them how you brainstorm words that fit. Don’t stress about it and never say “I’m not good at poetry or poetry is not my thing.” Think it, don’t say it. Model courage in writing.
Happy Concrete Building! Shelisa
