New
New
Create a concrete poem
I can design and create a concrete poem using words and images.
Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
- Year 5
Create a concrete poem
I can design and create a concrete poem using words and images.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Concrete poems use the arrangement of words to convey meaning.
- The shape of a concrete poem is as important as the words used.
- Concrete poems combine visual art with poetic text.
- Planning is essential to effectively combine words and shapes in a concrete poem.
Keywords
Concrete poem - a type of poem where the arrangement of words creates a visual image
Mental imagery - using words to create visual images in the mind
Form - the shape or visual appearance, structure or constitution of an object
Metaphor - a figure of speech where a word is applied to an object or action
Simile - a figure of speech comparing one thing with another using ‘like’
Common misconception
Concrete poems are drawings decorated with words.
Concrete poems integrate text with a shape to convey meaning. They are not merely drawings decorated with words.
This cross-curricular lesson compliments English subject material on poetry, metaphors and similes. Encourage children to create their own poems, or provide them some examples of poems written by other authors that focus on a specific object or theme that they could use to turn into a concrete poem.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a key feature of graphic design?
What is a key feature of graphic design?
Using pencils and pens to make different marks
Using natural forms to draw from observation
Q2.How can words create visual imagery?
How can words create visual imagery?
Through literal meanings
Through numbers
Q3.What does 'font' mean in graphic design?
What does 'font' mean in graphic design?
the colour of letters
use of capital letters
Q4.Typography involves arranging text with __________, sizes and spacing.
Typography involves arranging text with __________, sizes and spacing.
pictures
numbers
Q5.What is the main purpose of poetry?
What is the main purpose of poetry?
To persuade others
To provide factual information
Q6.Match the keywords with their definition
Match the keywords with their definition
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A concrete poem is a type of poem where...
A concrete poem is a type of poem where...
it tells a literal story
it uses a specific rhyme scheme
Q2.How do words and shapes interact in a concrete poem?
How do words and shapes interact in a concrete poem?
Shapes are just for decoration
They are unrelated
Q3.A concrete poem must have in order to function correctly.
A concrete poem must have in order to function correctly.
lots of text and letters
the same font used throughout
Q4.The text written in a concrete poem can be written …
The text written in a concrete poem can be written …
on horizontal lines only
in only one font style
Q5.A __________ is a figure of speech comparing one thing with another using ‘like’.
A __________ is a figure of speech comparing one thing with another using ‘like’.
font
metaphor
Q6.What is a key step when planning a concrete poem?
What is a key step when planning a concrete poem?
Writing lines in order
Choosing random words
