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Creating Concrete Poetry for Early Childhood Education

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Concrete poetry is a type of poetry in which the words of a poem are given a visual representation in the shape of the poem itself. The visual shapes of the poems are just as important in conveying the intended effect as the poem’s content, such as meaning, words, rhythm, rhyme, etc. The term “concrete poetry” was coined in the 1950s by Brazilian poets and its principle tenet is that using words as part of a specific visual work allows for the words themselves to become part of the poetry, rather than just unseen vehicles for ideas. Concrete poems have been created based on the shapes of stars, cats, apples, trees, candles, faces, and many other shapes. The words or content that create each shape align with the shape itself. For example, the shape of an airplane is created with associated content, ascending into the sky. The words that make the airplane outline state, “a flick, a shudder to soar, a push–the nose, the wings held high and steady–the plane is ready to touch the sky.”
As our textbook mentions, poetry can foster creativity. Concrete poetry is particularly effective in early childhood education because it merges the two most important elements of children’s literature: content/narrative and illustration.
Instructions
Your assignment in this module is to send home a concrete poetry assignment (including directions and a sample poem) for your early childhood classroom. In this mock assignment, the student and his/her parent/guardian will create a concrete poem using/tracing the outline of one of each of their hands. The child and family member must describe how they use their hands, what they like about their hands, and/or why hands are important. Once you complete your directions to send home with a child and your sample hand poem to be attached to these directions, you will ask a friend/family member (preferably one with a child) to complete the second page as if they were your student and parent. Then, you will scan both pages and attach them online for grade submission. Have fun and be creative!
Please review the following templates for this assignment; each template is numbered. You may use these templates as your own documents or create something similar.
Download Concrete Poetry Pages 1–2Download Concrete Poetry Pages 1–2
Download Concrete Poetry Page 3Download Concrete Poetry Page 3
You may also wish to print the assignment instructions:
On page 1, clearly type or hand write directions to the parents and students, defining concrete poetry and outlining the project (stay positive, write in letter format, and write clearly on half of the horizontal page). Also, you may use phrases from the descriiption above or below when defining concrete poetry in your directions.
On page 2, create a sample “hand poem” that you have completed with the outline of your own hand on the other half of the horizontal page. You may write and/or draw inside your hand, around the edges, in the fingers, etc. It may rhyme or not. There are no limits with concrete poetry! Be creative so you will inspire the student and his/her parent to be creative!
Page 3 will be a completed set of “hand poems” by a parent/guardian and child. Please prep the horizontal space for the parent/guardian as if you would really send this home by labeling the spaces, drawing a line down the center, etc. Although this may be a friend and his/her child, please imagine this is your student and his/her parent/guardian.
Upload both complete documents.
Evaluation: After completing the assignment, evaluate and consider how you did. If you were to use this assignment in an early childhood education classroom, how would you alter or change it? What did not work so well?

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Structuring and Completing Your Concrete Poetry Assignment

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements

This assignment requires you to create a take-home activity for early childhood students and their parents/guardians.
The activity involves concrete poetry, specifically using the outline of hands to create visually and creatively descriptive poems.
There are three components:
1. A letter to parents/guardians explaining the project and concrete poetry.
2. A sample hand poem created by you.
3. A completed set of hand poems made by a parent/guardian and child.

Step 2: Prepare Your Materials

Download the provided templates or create your own.
Gather supplies like paper, markers, crayons, or pens for designing and decorating.
Have a scanner or camera ready to submit your completed assignment online.

Step 3: Write the Letter (Page 1)

Use a friendly and engaging tone to communicate with parents and guardians.
Define concrete poetry (you can refer to the description above) and explain its value in fostering creativity.
Provide clear and positive instructions for creating the hand poem, such as:
1. Trace the outline of your hand and your child’s hand on a piece of paper.
2. Write words, sentences, or rhymes within or around the hand outlines that describe how you use your hands, what you like about them, or their importance.
3. Encourage the parent/guardian to be creative with their child.

Step 4: Create Your Sample Hand Poem (Page 2)

Trace your hand on half of the page.
Write descriptive, creative content within the outline of your hand. Example ideas:
- In the fingers: List actions your hands do (e.g., write, draw, wave).
- In the palm: Describe why you are grateful for your hands.
- Around the edges: Add words related to touch, feeling, or care.
Make it visually appealing by using colors, designs, or decorations.

Step 5: Prepare a Blank Template for Students and Parents (Page 3)

Divide the page into two halves with a vertical line.
- Label the left side: “Child’s Hand Poem.”
- Label the right side: “Parent/Guardian’s Hand Poem.”
Add simple instructions for tracing and writing on each side.
Leave plenty of blank space for them to trace their hands and write their poems.

Step 6: Complete the Parent/Child Poem Activity (Page 3)

Ask a friend or family member with a child to complete this activity.
Have them trace both hands and write their poems.
Ensure both poems are legible and creative.

Step 7: Evaluate the Assignment

After completing the activity, reflect on how the project worked:
1. What aspects of the activity inspired creativity?
2. Were the instructions clear and easy to follow?
3. How would you modify the activity for an actual classroom?

Step 8: Upload Your Assignment

Scan or photograph all three pages (letter, sample hand poem, and completed parent/child poems).
Ensure the files are clear and correctly labeled before submitting them online.

By following this guide, you’ll create an engaging and creative concrete poetry activity that fosters collaboration and creativity between students and their families. Good luck!