Photopoetry

I'm a big fan of using photos to jump-start poems. With kids, especially, having an image helps offset the "I don't have anything to write about" trap. Simply show the class a picture. A skyscraper. A canyon. A lobster trap. Or, pick an everyday object. A combination lock. A tennis shoe. A pencil. Ask kids to shut their eyes. “Imagine you’re this object. How do you feel? What do you do? What do you like? What do you hate? What is your secret?” Brainstorm with your students. Then have your students each write a poem about or from the point of view of that object.

I do this every week on my blog. I post an image, and people (some poets, some not) write quick first drafts that are 15 words or less. Then they share their poems. Here's an example of poems people wrote about my dog, Captain Jack Sparrow.

Click on these links for printable sheets for your students.