How to Make Newspaper Poetry

"Newspaper poetry" is a hands-on activity that inspires creativity for young and experience writer. Participants work with words clipped from the headlines and arrange them to form free verse that's dramatic or just plain silly. Best of all, there's no right or wrong way to make a poem. Try newspaper poetry with your writers' group or in the classroom.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Glue Sticks
• Old newspapers

1. Sit around a large table. Give each participant a pair of scissors, a glue stick and a sheet of paper to serve as the base for the poem. Give everyone at least one section of newspaper

2. Explain free verse. Remind the participants that each individual will create a poem as he wishes. Use only words clipped from the newspaper.

3. Scan through the headlines and advertisements. Clip interesting words and phrases.

4. Collect 15 to 25 words or phrases per participant. Place duplicate or unwanted clips in the center of the table for others to use.

5. Arrange the words on the construction or copier paper to make a poem. Adhere words to the paper with the glue stick.

6. Take turns reading aloud and sharing the poems. In a classroom setting, display the poems on the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't piece letters together to form specific words. Use only the words in the headlines. Be creative.

Resources

• A lesson plan for newspaper poetry.