A simple way to introduce poetry writing to young writers is to teach them how to write found poetry. 

Learning how to write a found poem can also help motivate reluctant writers because it is fun and they are able to see results quickly.  

What is Found Poetry?  

Found Poetry is created by taking words and phrases from other sources and rearranging them to form a poem.  This allows kids to create and share their own poems quickly and easily.

I have always loved poetry.  

It was one of my favorite units to do with my classroom students each year, and this particular activity was always a hit.  

I was excited to be able to include this poetry idea in the latest e-book I’ve co-authored: Make Your Mark.  The book includes over 30 fun projects to promote the love of writing, storytelling, and self-confidence. 

How to Write Found Poetry

Materials Needed:

• Old Magazines
• Scissors
• Glue Stick
• Construction Paper

To create your own found poems, search through old magazine ads with your child and cut out interesting words and phrases.   (Afterwards, you can use those same magazines to make recycled magazine butterflies.) 

Magazine ads work great for this activity because they usually include a variety of short phrases.  This makes it easy to read quickly and find words and phrases you want to include in your poem.  

Once you have collected your snippets, arrange them on your construction paper.

Is there a message or theme that most of the phrases seem to express?  

Or is there something your child really wants to write about?  

Choose which phrases and words you will keep in your poem.  

If necessary, search through the magazine ads for additional  words to go with your poem.  

Try moving the pieces around on the paper until you are happy with how the words flow together.

Read the poem aloud together.  

When your child is satisfied with how the poem sounds, glue the phrases in place.  Congratulate your young poet on their masterpiece.

If your child wants, let them decorate their paper.  Display their poetry for others to read and enjoy.

Modifications for Found Poetry for Kids

• For younger children try cutting out a variety of words and phrases for them to choose from ahead of time.  Older children will have fun searching through the magazine pages on their own for phrases that interest them.
• Add in handwriting practice by having your child write their completed poem on lined paper.
• Create found poetry using other sources, such as newspapers, text books, cereal boxes, or even song lyrics.
• Challenge your child to create a found poem based on a topic they are studying as a unique way to analyze and present information.

Poetry writing doesn’t have to be intimidating.  

Learning how to write found poetry will open up a new world that allows your child to express themselves through writing.

You may also like:

• ABC’s & 123’s — 40 hands-on activities to help teach letter and math skills
• Fluency Practice with Funny Poetry from This Reading Mama
• 15 Fun Ways to Work on Sight Words

The post How to Write Found Poetry first appeared on There's Just One Mommy.

If you are a regular reader of mine, you know that I do a Thankful Thursday post every week.  This past week’s post was written in a little different style; they were all haikus.

I challenged my readers to give it a try with things they were thankful for that week. And my readers rock!  I got some great haikus in response that I want to share with you all.

From Cindy, of Stich-n-Keep:

Supportive husband
Wonderful!…a gift from God
Thirty-one great years!

Amazing daughters
Each with a unique spirit
Loved no matter what!

Three grandchildren…Joy!
Thank God daily for the gift
They fill up my life!

Love, friends, happiness
Grateful for so many gifts
The future looks bright!

From the M Half, of The M Half of the M-n- J Show:

Cooler weather now
Travel to Colorado
Book club with the girls

Missing all my boys
Seeing family and friends
Returning home soon

And another version of poetic response from Kristen, of The Preppy Girl in Pink:

The rays of sun shining through the clouds
God’s smile finding a way to those of us on earth
looking for the warmth on our skin and our hearts

Come on, you know you want to give it a try!  What are you thankful for lately?  (No, the former teacher in me won’t take off points if it isn’t strictly in haiku format!)

The post Reader Responses to Thankful Thursday Haikus first appeared on There's Just One Mommy.