What Is a Concrete Poem?

Concrete poems (also known as shape poems) are a type of poetry where the layout of the words on the page forms a shape or image that reflects the poem’s subject or theme. The visual appearance of the poem is as important as the words themselves, creating a blend of art and literature.

When it comes to engaging students in poetry writing, concrete poems are a great choice. They allow learners to combine artistic creativity with writing skills. For beginners, these poems offer a fun way to experiment with form and can make poetry feel less daunting.

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

• Purpose – Concrete poems describe a particular topic.
• Structure – Concrete poems are written in the shape of the object they describe.
• Rhythm – Concrete poems have no distinct rhythm.
• Rhyme – Concrete poems do not usually rhyme.

Easily Teach How to Write a Concrete Poem

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

1. Concrete Poem Overview – This page explains everything your students need to know about concrete poems. It also includes an example concrete poem about raindrops.
2. Concrete Poem Graphic Organizer – This page supports students in brainstorming topics and vocabulary for their own concrete poem.
3. Concrete Poem Writing Sheet – This page has been included for students to produce a polished final copy of their concrete poem.

Concrete poems create an opportunity to blend creative writing with visual art. By engaging with this resource, your students will create a unique product of both written and artistic expression.

Download This Concrete 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.

More Resources for Exploring Forms of Poetry

Looking to introduce other forms of poetry to your students? Click below to explore more teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources to use in your classroom.

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Types of Poetry Anchor Charts with Annotations

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Forms of Poetry Teaching Slides

Explore the different forms of poetry with your students using this comprehensive and age-appropriate slide deck.

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Write an Ode Worksheet

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