= Partner SiteConcrete Poem Examples and Activities
What is a concrete poem? What are some concrete poem examples and activities?
Concrete Poems are graphic poems in which the language used in the poem takes a specific shape. The shape is related and has an effect on what the poet communicates.
Concrete poems reinforce the connection between those shapes and the theme of each topic or poem.
When learners have to determine what topics belong in a heart-shaped poem, they use their critical and creative thinking skills. Similarly, the presence of other shapes: lightning bolts, circles, spirals, and others can encourage them to tap into deeper-level thinking about the content present in the poem or how they can use that shape to generate original poetry.
Of course, concrete poems can also be a wonderful way to offer student choice. Learners can choose favorite shapes, simple shapes, or even challenging shapes in order to create their own poems.
Examples
One of the most recognizable poems comes from Robert Herrick, a poet from the 17th century. This can be used as a model concrete poem. Herrick’s poem, “The Pillar of Fame” uses the words to create a pillar-shaped poem.
However, the use of the pillar is not random. The shape and topic of the poem connect. It is important to emphasize this to students, since the shape and the topic of the poem should be meaningful and related in order to be a true concrete poem.
Here is Herrick’s poem, “The Pillar of Freedom,” which takes the shape of a pillar:
Fame’s pillar here at last we set,
Out-during marble, brass or jet;
Charmed and enchanted so
As to withstand the blow
O f o v e r t h r o w ;
Nor shall the seas,
Or o u t r a g e s
Of storms, o’erbear
What we uprear;
Tho’ kingdoms fall,This pillar never shall
Decline or waste at all;
But stand for ever by his own
Firm and well-fixed foundation.
It is always a good idea to share multiple models with students.
As a teacher or classroom leader, you can help your learners by designing your own concrete poem and then sharing them! Start by choosing a topic and then determine a shape.
Be patient, flexible, and enjoy this process!
Instructional Uses and Strategies
- Concrete Poem Themes: For holidays and celebration, learners can create concrete poems based on specific shapes. For example, consider shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, hearts for Valentine’s Day, eggs and bunnies for Easter, footballs for the Super Bowl, and fall leaves for back-to-school. No matter the occasion, young poets will benefit from thinking about how shape connects to the poem’s message. Enjoy and ask your learners what shapes they’d like to work with most!
- Concrete Poem Collaboration: In order to foster collaboration, students can design one large collaborative shape or a mosaic of shapes. Poems can be interconnected or showcase learner individuality. Whether you’re celebrating an event at school or learning about a specific topic, concrete poems can offer young poets a novel opportunity to engage with and write poetry. Concrete poem lessons can be adapted to accommodate learners with diverse learning needs and energies.
Concrete poems are especially wonderful for very young learners and early elementary students.
As students who are learning vocabulary, building phonemic awareness, and becoming better and better at spotting certain shapes, concrete poems can support much of their learning.
Don’t forget to include concrete poems in your exploration of poetry during National Poetry Month. For students who are especially visual, these poems can offer extra appeal and a strong point of engagement. Take a look at our templates for a print-and-go lesson!
Printable Concrete Poem Worksheets
Concrete Poem Flower Activity
Use the flower template to create your own concrete poem about flowers or nature, arranging words within the petal outlines provided on the page.
Concrete Poem Heart Shape Template
Students use this printable heart-shaped template to practice writing a concrete poem in the shape of a heart about love or friendship themes.
Lightning Bolt Concrete Poem Template
Use this lightning bolt template to create your own concrete poem about storms, electricity, power, or speed with words arranged in the zigzag shape.
Kite Concrete Poem Printable Activity
Color the pictures in each row that rhyme, practicing phonological awareness and end rhyme recognition with simple illustrated vocabulary words throughout the worksheet.
Concrete Poem Reading Passage Worksheet
Read the given concrete poem, then write about how the physical shape of the poem connects to its meaning and enhances your understanding of the text.
Concrete Poem Star Shape Template Worksheet
Use this concrete poem template to practice writing a poem in the shape of a star, with words about dreams, success, or shining arranged creatively.
What is Concrete Poetry? Printable Activity
Choose two pictures that rhyme in each group by coloring them, then practice saying the rhyming words aloud to reinforce end sound patterns.
Concrete Poem Anchor Chart
A visual classroom poster explaining concrete poetry—poems shaped to match their subject—featuring a spiral shell example that demonstrates how form connects to meaning.
Create a Rocketship Concrete Poem
Write a concrete poem in the shape of a rocketship with words and phrases that poetically describe space travel, adventure, or exploration themes.
"The Pillar" Concrete Poem Worksheet
Read The Pillar of Fame by Robert Herrick, a concrete poem shaped like a pillar, then answer comprehension questions about its meaning and structure.
Thought Bubble Concrete Poem Template Activity
Practice poetry writing skills with this printable thought bubble concrete poem template, arranging words to show ideas or reflections visually in bubbles.
