Draft a self-portrait concrete poem
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can draft a self-portrait concrete poem using words to represent myself.
Key learning points
- A self-portrait concrete poem is a poem where the writer uses words to describe themselves, arranged in visual format.
- The arrangement of a concrete poem is as important as the words used within it.
- An artist might describe both their inner and outer selves using a self-portrait poem.
Keywords
Concrete poem - a type of poem that is written in the shape of the subject that it describes
Self-portrait - a work of art, like a picture or a sculpture, that an artist has made of themselves
Mental imagery - using words to create visual images in the mind
Inner self - a person's true feelings, thoughts, beliefs and desires, which may not always be visible to others
Outer self - the external aspects of a person and how they present themselves to the world
Common misconception
You do not need to plan a self-portrait concrete poem. You should just start by writing.
Remind children that planning some descriptive words or phrases can help to ensure their emotions or message are communicated effectively in their concrete poem.
Teacher tip
During this lessons, you may wish to take photographs of pupils for the following lesson ready for their self-portrait mono-printing. Alternatively, you could ask children to bring in a photograph of themselves. It is also worth considering that for this unit children will each need a shoebox.
Equipment
Sketchbooks, concrete poem examples
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these best describes a self-portrait?
Q2.Which of these is a sculpture?
Q3.When referring to our 'inner' self what do we mean?
Q4.Match the descriptions to the terms.
a person's internal feelings, thoughts, beliefs, desires
the external aspects of a person which can be seen by others
an artwork created by an artist of themselves
Q5.What does mental imagery mean in poetry?
Q6.The words in a self-portrait concrete poem can help express a person's and outer self.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does a self-portrait concrete poem describe?
Q2.The self represents how a person presents themselves to the world.
Q3.Match the keywords to their definitions:
Words arranged in a shape to convey meaning.
A person's internal feelings and thoughts.
Creating visual images in the mind using words or sounds.
Q4.Why is mental imagery important in writing?
Q5.A self-portrait concrete poem uses words to create a picture of your ...
Q6.What is the significance of the shape in a concrete poem?
To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Draft a self-portrait concrete poem, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Draft a self-portrait concrete poem, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 art and design lessons from the Me in a box: drawing and sculpture unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.