Activities adaptable to multiple grade levels
List poem
A list poem is an itemization of things or events, can be any length,
and can rhyme or not. To create a list poem inspired by art, first select
a theme. Themes could include colors, shapes, feelings (loneliness,
happiness, excitement), ideas (flying, beauty, family, adventure),
seasons, memories, or anything else. Working in pairs or as a group,
select a work or several works of art that relate to the theme. Looking
at the work(s), brainstorm words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs)
or short phrases that are inspired by what you see and relate to your
theme. Remember to emphasize details. Using this list, arrange the
words and phrases into a list poem.
Example of a list poem>>
The Color White
the underbelly of a catfish
a bleached tablecloth
the inside of a lemon peel
the frothy surface of crashing waves
snow that has collected on bamboo branches
and on slanted roofs
a reflection of a window in a drinking glass
that’s been left on the table
collars
cuffs
a dog’s paw
an apron
clouds
letters on signs
a half moon in the night sky
a t-shirt
the Westminster Bridge
stars
the empty spaces that the artist
chose not to paint blue
Objects used: White-Headed Eagle with Yellow Catfish, Still Life with a Ham and a Roemer, The Life Line, Yabu Lane below Atago, Breaking Home Ties, Railroad Bridge, Argenteuil, The City, Dog Barking at the Moon, South Philly (Mattress Flip Front), The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons,
October 16, 1834, "Tar Beach 2" Quilt, Hydrangeas Spring Song
Suggested Works
Word pile poem
Select a work of art and look at it carefully for several minutes.
On five separate index cards, write a word or short phrase (no
more than three words per card) that describe your thoughts and
observations about the work of art. Working individually or in
small groups, arrange the cards into poems of any length. Create
each line with either a single card or several cards together.
Suggested Works
Ode
Odes typically celebrate a person or thing. They can follow a particular
pattern or can be irregular. Select a person or thing from a work of art
and write an ode to him/her/it. Describe what makes the subject of
your poem unique, special, and worthy of admiration.
Example of an ode>>
To the Brillo Boxes
You mesmerize me
in you cubic perfection
Each an exact copy of the next
Identical triplets
Bright blue and red letters
on your facades
extolling your virtues
new, giant, fast
The best there is
Impossible to miss
I must turn and look
Patterns, colors, shapes
that capture my attention and
leave a lasting imprint
in my mind
Object used: Three Brillo Boxes
Suggested Works
Haiku
Haiku poets traditionally write about everyday experiences, especially
those related to nature. A haiku is usually written in three short lines,
with the first and last a bit shorter than the middle line. It should
have no more than seventeen syllables (typically arranged into 5/7/5
in lines 1, 2, and 3, but can vary). Select a work of art that depicts
a place and brainstorm words and phrases that describe what you
might see, smell, taste, or touch if you could be there. Use these
words to create a haiku.
Example of a haiku poem>>
A Winter’s Day
Sparrows swoop above
Cold crisp air on rosy cheeks
City life, muted
Object used: Yabu Lane below Atago
Suggested Works
Metaphor poem
Select a work of art and identify a detail that catches your eye.
Brainstorm what it reminds you of, such as something that has a
similar shape, color, or texture. Use these ideas to create a metaphor
describing the detail (for example, "Her peach fuzz cheek"). Repeat
the exercise with other details in the work such as people, animals,
objects, colors, lines, textures, or shapes. Select your favorite
metaphors to create a poem.
Suggested Works
