By Colleen Rowe

If your niece and nephew want to try a new creative outlet, introduce them to concrete poetry, also known as shape poetry because it is literally written the shape representing the content of the poem. It is a really fun way to help kids to develop their creative writing skills.

So, for example, if a poem is about a boat, the poem will be shaped like a boat, or if a poem is about a clock, the poem will be shaped like a circle. As writers mature, metaphorical meanings are usually incorporated into concrete poems, but for kids, writing poetry about how a clock tells time, for example, helps them to understand the poem-style function. It’s best for kids to hand-write these poems first, on a piece of loose-leaf or into a sketchpad.

First, give your niece or nephew a few examples of concrete poetry. Then, ask them to write their own first concrete poem. Objects with simple shapes are useful when trying out concrete poetry for the first time, such as the sun or cloud. These are simple shapes that kids can understand and easily write about. As their writing matures, kids can try out other, potentially more complicated shapes, like a boat, a tree, or a fish.

Concrete poetry is not just for kids, of course. You can write concrete poems along with your nieces and nephews. Your niece and nephew will be thrilled that you’re writing with them.

The next time you’re wondering how to encourage your nieces and nephews to practice their writing skills, consider showing them some concrete poetry.

Photo: stockimages

Published: September 17, 2014