Homemade ornaments are special. Kids can use their writing in addition to their arts and crafts skills to make shape poetry Christmas ornaments. These ornaments make great gifts for grandparents who will adore their grandchild’s precious creativity.
What is Shape Poetry
Shape poetry, also known as concrete poetry, is a poem is written in a way to visually represent the subject. The words of the poem describe the subject, as well as the shape of the words on the paper.
Two Types of Shape Poetry
Shape poems can be written two different ways. One way is to use words to form an outline of the subject of the poem. For example, below is an outline of a candy cane. The words of the poem form the outline of the shape. The words are written around the edge, so the reader has to turn the paper so the text doesn’t have to be read vertically or upside down. The inside of the shape is left blank.
Another way to write a shape poem is to use the words to build the shape. For example, in this poem about the Christmas star the words are written horizontally, but phrased in a way that forms the shape of the subject. Words are not written around the edge to form an outline.
How to Make Christmas Shape Poetry Ornaments
Step One: Write the poem
Choose a Christmas shape. Here’s a list of ideas:
- star
- snowman
- candy cane
- gingerbread man
- tree
- gift box
- wreath
- candle
- snowflake
- ornament
- mitten
- stocking
- bell
- angel
- sleigh
- reindeer
Brainstorm words and phrases about your shape. Then start piecing phrases together to write a poem. It’s not necessary to rhyme. You can write words, phrases, or sentences about your topic. Be creative with word choice.
It’s okay to move on to step two even if what you’ve written is a brainstorm of loose ideas. It will be easier to piece together the words once you start working with the physical shape of your poem.
Step Two: Create the ornament
Draw shape silhouette
Draw a black outline of your shape. Or, find a basic Christmas shape on the internet and print it out. Think about the size and detail of your shape. (You don’t want it too small or complicated. That will make the next step of writing the text more difficult).
Copy the poem
Place your shape silhouette behind a blank sheet of white paper. Write the first draft of your poem by starting at the top of the shape and writing the words from left to right using a pencil until you fill the shape completely.
Or you can write words just around the outline of the shape, leaving the center empty. Revise and edit as you go until you are satisfied how your poems looks and sounds. The eraser will be your friend.
Make a final copy using a marker. You can put your first draft behind a clean sheet of paper and trace your words against a window. Or you can trace your shape lightly in pencil and fill in the words by using your first draft as a guide. Just remember to erase your outline for the best effect.
Cut out shape poem
Cut your shape poem out, leaving a border of white around the edge. If you want to give your Christmas shape poetry ornaments as grandparent gifts, photocopy your poems before cutting.
Add finishing touches
Mount your poem on a piece of colored construction paper or card stock. Punch a hole in the top and tie a loop with ribbon or yarn. For more durability, use a laminator before tying your ribbon. Write your name and the year on the back with permanent marker.
If you enjoyed making Christmas shape poetry ornaments, you may be interested in trying other forms of poetry with your kids. Acrostic poems and couplets are both fun for kids.
