Concrete poetry is one of the most creative ways for kids and adults to express themselves. Instead of writing lines in straight blocks, a concrete poem uses shapes to show meaning. The poem becomes a picture, and the picture becomes part of the message. If you’ve seen a poem shaped like a heart, tree, star, or raindrop—that’s concrete poetry.
It’s also a perfect activity for young writers. Concrete poetry can build imagination, boost confidence, and enhance a child’s love for storytelling, especially when mixed with other poems kids love to hear or visual styles like poems with imagery for kids.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to write a concrete poem step-by-step with examples, templates, and inspiration.
What Is a Concrete Poem?
A concrete poem (sometimes called shape poetry) is a poem arranged to form a visual image that matches its meaning. The shape isn’t for decoration it’s part of the storytelling.
Concrete poems work well with other beginner-friendly writing resources like this simple poetry definition for kids.
For example:
- A poem about love can form a heart.
- A poem about rain can form a raindrop.
- A poem about nature can form a tree.
Concrete poetry blends art and writing, helping young readers explore imagination similar to the value of imaginative poems in childhood.
Examples of Concrete Poems
Here are simple examples that teachers and parents can show to kids:
Heart-Shaped Example
love is gentle
love is warm and true
love grows when we choose
to care again and again
Raindrop Example
drip
falling
soft and slow
landing on the earth
to wake the sleeping roots
For more inspiration, you can also look at poems for 5th grade which pair nicely with shape-poem activities.
How to Write a Concrete Poem (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to help kids or students create a strong concrete poem.
Step 1: Choose a Theme or Object
Pick an object with a clear shape. This makes design easier.
Beginner-friendly ideas:
- Heart
- Star
- Tree
- Leaf
- Balloon
- Candle flame
If the theme is nostalgic or memory-based, you can pull ideas from childhood poems or stories about a childhood filled with warmth and laughter.
Step 2: Sketch the Shape Lightly
Draw a simple outline using:
- Pencil
- Pen
- Digital shape tool
- Canva or Word
This sketch will guide where the words go.
Step 3: Brainstorm Words and Feelings
Write down ideas related to your theme.
You can use sensory details, comparisons, or figurative language. To help kids learn creative comparisons, explore poems with similes and metaphors.
Ask:
- What does this object remind me of?
- What emotions does it give?
- What memories or colors connect to it?
Themes like friendship, playfulness, and memories also show up beautifully in escapades celebrating childhood.
Step 4: Write Short Lines
Short lines fit better inside shapes.
For example, if writing about a star:
- “glowing softly”
- “guiding from far away”
- “hope is a spark”
Concrete poems pair well with humor, so feel free to experiment with fun ideas just like helping young minds explore humor through poetry.
Step 5: Place Words Inside the Shape
This is the artistic part!
Tips:
- Use shorter lines near narrow areas
- Use longer lines where the shape is wider
- Adjust spacing to form gentle curves
This process helps kids with visual thinking and creativity—skills that also help with poems that strengthen parent-child bonds.
Step 6: Remove the Outline
Once the words form the shape, erase the guide. The shape should still be recognizable.
Step 7: Edit for Balance
Check:
- Does the shape look clear?
- Does the poem still make sense?
- Are the words spaced evenly?
This helps kids develop both writing and artistic confidence.
Why Concrete Poetry Helps Kids Learn
Concrete poetry is excellent for young writers because it supports:
1. Creativity
It inspires imagination, similar to the value of imaginative poems in childhood.
2. Visual Learning
Kids learn to see words as art—not just text.
3. Emotional Expression
Shape poems help children express feelings like joy, fear, or excitement.
4. Bonding
Writing together can strengthen relationships, similar to activities in poems that strengthen parent-child bonds.
5. Fun Learning
Kids love listening to playful poems like these poems kids love to hear, and concrete poetry fits right in.
Holiday & Event Concrete Poems
Concrete poems also work well for seasonal or classroom activities.
For example:
- A Christmas tree poem
- A pumpkin poem for Halloween
- A gift-shaped poem for Secret Santa, just like these Secret Santa poems for kids
They make wonderful classroom projects and family bonding activities.
Printable Templates for Concrete Poems
Here are templates you can use for shaping your poem:
- Heart
- Star
- Raindrop
- Tree
- Butterfly
- Flame
- Spiral
- Wave
If you’d like, I can generate PDF versions of each template.
Tools You Can Use
Pencil & paper
Graph paper
Canva
Google Docs
Adobe Illustrator
Tablet drawing apps
These tools help kids build structure and creativity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using shapes that are too complicated
Trying to write very long sentences
Overcrowding the shape
Forgetting the poem’s message
Uneven spacing
Keep it simple, clear, and meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do concrete poems need to rhyme?
No—most concrete poems do not rhyme.
Can kids make concrete poems digitally?
Absolutely. Canva and Docs are great for beginners.
What ages can write concrete poems?
All ages from kindergarten to adults.
Are concrete poems good for school lessons?
Yes! They complement creative writing topics like poems for 5th grade and poetry definition for kids.
Conclusion
Concrete poetry is one of the most fun and expressive ways for kids to explore writing and creativity. With simple shapes, thoughtful words, and a bit of imagination, young writers can create poems that are meaningful and visually beautiful.For more kid-friendly poems, inspiration, and resources, visit Janis Latimore Books — a wonderful place for young minds to grow their love for poetry and storytelling.
