Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can design and create a concrete poem using words and images.

      Key learning points

      1. Concrete poems use the arrangement of words to convey meaning.
      2. The shape of a concrete poem is as important as the words used.
      3. Concrete poems combine visual art with poetic text.
      4. 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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a key feature of graphic design?

      Correct answer: Using text and pictures to convey messages
      Using pencils and pens to make different marks
      Using natural forms to draw from observation

      Q2.
      How can words create visual imagery?

      Through literal meanings
      Through numbers
      Correct answer: Through descriptive language

      Q3.
      What does 'font' mean in graphic design?

      the colour of letters
      Correct answer: the size and weight of letters
      use of capital letters

      Q4.
      Typography involves arranging text with __________, sizes and spacing.

      pictures
      numbers
      Correct answer: fonts

      Q5.
      What is the main purpose of poetry?

      To persuade others
      Correct answer: To express emotions and ideas creatively
      To provide factual information

      Q6.
      Match the keywords with their definition

      Correct Answer:font,the size and weight of letters
      Correct Answer:style,letters or art with a distinctive appearance
      Correct Answer:typeface,a set of letters that share a similar shape and design
      Correct Answer:typography,arranging letters or text to make them readable and visually appealing

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A concrete poem is a type of poem where...

      it tells a literal story
      it uses a specific rhyme scheme
      Correct answer: the arrangement of words creates a visual image

      Q2.
      How do words and shapes interact in a concrete poem?

      Shapes are just for decoration
      Correct answer: They work together to convey meaning
      They are unrelated

      Q3.
      A concrete poem must have in order to function correctly.

      lots of text and letters
      the same font used throughout
      Correct answer: consideration for the placement of text

      Q4.
      The text written in a concrete poem can be written …

      on horizontal lines only
      Correct answer: in different directions and angles
      in only one font style

      Q5.
      A __________ is a figure of speech comparing one thing with another using ‘like’.

      font
      metaphor
      Correct answer: simile

      Q6.
      What is a key step when planning a concrete poem?

      Correct answer: Sketching a shape that fits the theme
      Writing lines in order
      Choosing random words

      To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Create a concrete poem, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...