Concrete 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

  1. 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!
  2. 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!

CCSS Standard
W.4, W.5

Concrete Poems Printable Activities (PDFs)