Create a concrete poem
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can design and create a concrete poem using words and images.
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.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a key feature of graphic design?
Q2.How can words create visual imagery?
Q3.What does 'font' mean in graphic design?
Q4.Typography involves arranging text with __________, sizes and spacing.
Q5.What is the main purpose of poetry?
Q6.Match the keywords with their definition
the size and weight of letters
letters or art with a distinctive appearance
a set of letters that share a similar shape and design
arranging letters or text to make them readable and visually appealing
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A concrete poem is a type of poem where...
Q2.How do words and shapes interact in a concrete poem?
Q3.A concrete poem must have in order to function correctly.
Q4.The text written in a concrete poem can be written …
Q5.A __________ is a figure of speech comparing one thing with another using ‘like’.
Q6.What is a key step when planning a concrete poem?
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...
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.
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 Lettering: graphic design unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.