How to Create a Poetry Cube

Once children understand the types of poems and the forms of figurative language in a basic study of poetry, have each child design his own poem cube. This project incorporates paper crafting and requires minimal writing, so it is not intimidating or daunting. Each child will analyze a poem of her choice by filling in each square with her thoughts and interpretations for specific topics. You will easily be able to gauge comprehension and the students will have a fun way of sharing their learning with each other.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Construction or heavier weight paper (one sheet per child)
• Poem cube pattern
• Scissors
• Marker or pen for writing headings
• Glue stick
• 12- to 16-inch strand of string or yarn per cube

1. Download a pattern for making a paper cube. See the Resource list below. Cut out the cube along the dark black lines.

2. Fill in your thoughts and interpretations of the theme and/or message of the poem in one square of the cube. List the heading as "Theme/Message." Then, write your response to the following two questions: Why do you think this poem was written? What is the poem about?

3. Fill in your analysis of the mood and imagery of the poem in another square of the cube. List the heading as: "Mood and Imagery." Then, write your response to the following three questions: How does the poem make you feel? What do you think the poet was trying to do? What picture did the poem create in your mind?

4. Fill in your favorites and opinions of the poem in another square of the cube. List the heading as "Favorites/Opinions." Then, write your response to the following questions: What did you enjoy/appreciate most about this poem? What was your favorite line? Why?

5. Label the poem category in a different part of the cube. List the heading as "Type of Poem." Then label the poem as either Limerick, Quatrain, Cinquain, Couplet, Diamonte, Haiku, Tanka or Free Verse

6. List any and all uses of figurative language (or poetic tricks) which apply to your chosen poem in the final square of the poem cube. List the heading as "Figurative Language." Then, list and provide brief examples of any of the following poetic devices found in your poem: Onomatopoeia, simile and or metaphor comparisons, alliteration, personification, repetition, rhythm, rhyme and rhyme pattern.

7. Fold the paper cube on the lighter lines as indicated. Glue the tabs to complete your poem cube.

8. Attach a 12- to 16-inch strand of string or yarn to each poem cube and hang from the ceiling to display, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Have children read aloud their poems and then share their poem cubes with the group.

Resources

• Downloadable paper cube
• Paper cube template

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