Tell us what poetry means to you
Write a short poem about what poetry means to you, illustrate it with drawings or collage, then read it aloud to share your ideas.
About this activity
Write a short poem about what poetry means to you, illustrate it with drawings or collage, then read it aloud to share your ideas.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the materials and bring them to a clear workspace.
- 2
Step 2
Sit quietly and close your eyes to imagine how poetry sounds and makes you feel.
- 3
Step 3
Open your eyes and write five words or short phrases that come to mind.
- 4
Step 4
Decide if you want to write a short four-line poem or a few short sentences.
- 5
Step 5
Write your first draft of the poem using at least two words from your list.
- 6
Step 6
Read your draft silently and circle any words you want to change.
- 7
Step 7
Rewrite your poem neatly on a fresh sheet of paper.
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Step 8
Choose whether you will illustrate with drawings or a collage.
- 9
Step 9
Make your illustration by drawing with colouring materials or by cutting and gluing images from magazines.
- 10
Step 10
Attach your illustration to the poem with glue or tape.
- 11
Step 11
Practice reading your poem aloud three times using expression and a clear voice.
- 12
Step 12
Read your poem aloud to a family member or friend and listen to their feedback.
- 13
Step 13
Share your finished poem and illustration on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I lead a 'Tell us what poetry means to you' activity with my child?
To do the activity, start by asking your child simple questions about poetry (what words make them feel, favorite sounds). Brainstorm ideas and images together, then help them write a short poem of 2–8 lines—rhyme or free verse. Let them illustrate with drawings or a quick collage. Practice reading aloud once or twice, then create a cozy sharing time with family or friends. Praise effort and ask gentle questions to encourage reflection.
What materials do I need for a poetry-illustration-and-reading activity?
You’ll need paper or index cards, pencils and erasers, colored pencils or markers, crayons, glue, safety scissors, old magazines or fabric scraps for collages, stickers, and tape. Optional extras: a recorder or smartphone for audio, a small stand for reading, and a cozy blanket or chair for sharing. Keep materials age-appropriate and prepare a scrap box for easy cleanup to make the session low-stress and fun.
What ages is this 'poetry means to you' activity suitable for?
This activity suits ages 3–14 with adjustments: toddlers and preschoolers (3–5) can dictate a few words or lines while drawing; early elementary (6–8) can write short poems, add simple drawings or stickers; older kids (9–14) can experiment with rhyme, metaphor, and collage. Tailor prompts and supervision to reading and cutting skills, offering more independence as confidence and ability grow.
What are the benefits of doing a 'Tell us what poetry means to you' activity with kids?
Benefits include building language skills, emotional expression, and creative thinking. Writing a short poem helps vocabulary and sentence structure; illustrating develops fine motor control and visual storytelling; reading aloud boosts confidence and speaking ability. The activity also encourages empathy by sharing perspectives and strengthens family bonds through collaborative creation. It’s low-cost, adaptable, and supports literacy and social-emotional learning.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have magazines, glue, or coloring materials for the collage and illustration?
If you don't have magazines, use old newspapers or print images from the internet, substitute glue with tape or a stapler, and replace coloring materials with crayons, colored pencils, stickers, or fabric scraps to attach to your fresh sheet of paper.
I'm stuck and can't think of words or can't start my poem—what should I do?
If you get stuck during the 'sit quietly and close your eyes' and 'write five words' steps, try naming things you can see, hear, smell, or feel right now to build your five-word list and then use at least two of those words to write your first draft.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages or abilities?
For younger children, have a parent write the child's ideas during the 'write your first draft' step and let them focus on simple drawings, while older kids can write a longer poem, revise more times, and create a detailed collage before sharing on DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the finished poem and illustration beyond the basic steps?
To extend the activity, record the 'practice reading aloud three times' step as an audio or video performance to upload to DIY.org, decorate and frame the rewritten poem, or combine several poems and collages into a handmade booklet.