What Is a Color Poem?

Color poems are a type of poetry where the poet explores the associations, emotions and imagery linked to a particular color. Each line of the poem typically describes aspects of the chosen color, using sensory details and metaphors to express what that color means or represents. These poems are a great choice when it comes to exploring imagery and figurative language with your students.

Here’s what you need to know when it comes to teaching your students how to write a color poem:

• Purpose – Color poems explore associations with a particular colour.
• Structure – Each line in a color poem contains an image associated with the focus colour.
• Rhythm – Color poems have no distinct rhythm.
• Rhyme – Color poems do not usually rhyme.

Easily Teach How to Write a Colour Poem

The Teach Starter team has created this set of templates to support your students in writing a color poem. Here’s what you will discover inside this color poem template pack:

1. Color Poem Overview – This page explains everything your students need to know about color poems. It also includes an example color poem using yellow as a focus color.
2. Color Poem Graphic Organizer – This page supports students in brainstorming imagery related to a color of their choice.
3. Color Poem Scaffolding Sheet and Checklist – This page supports students in writing their color poem by providing a labeled structure and a checklist for editing their work.
4. Color Poem Writing Sheet – This page has been included for students to produce a polished final copy of their color poem.

Color poems are an engaging way for students to practice descriptive writing and build vocabulary. By engaging with this resource, your students will think creatively about the many associations colors can have and will use these connotations to create a unique piece of poetry.

Download This Color Poem Template

This resource downloads as an easy-print PDF or an editable Google Slides file. Use the Download button to access your preferred version of this resource. Please note that you will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides file before accessing it.

Brittany Collins, a teacher in Indiana and a Teach Starter collaborator, contributed to this resource.

Browse More Ideas for Poetry Writing

Click below to explore more poetry writing templates to use with your elementary school students:

teaching resource

Write a Ballad Worksheet

Set your students up for success when writing a ballad with this set of scaffolded, easy-to-follow worksheets.

teaching resource

Write a Diamante Poem Worksheet

Set your students up for success when writing a diamante poem with this set of scaffolded, easy-to-follow worksheets.

teaching resource

Write an Ode Worksheet

Set your students up for success when writing an ode with this set of scaffolded, easy-to-follow worksheets.