Minds On

Hopscotch poem

Explore the following poem. What do you notice?

“Hopscotch”

Action

Concrete poems

You may have noticed that the Minds On poem was created like a hopscotch. The form of the poem helps us to imagine ourselves hopping along a hopscotch. Then, the poem talks about hopping all the way up to the blue sky.

The poem is an example of a concrete poem. Concrete poems are also called “shape” poems. The words in a concrete poem create a picture. This picture matches the topic of the poem. We can use the picture that the words create to understand the meaning of the poem.

Let’s explore another concrete poem called “Dominoes.” When we set up a row of dominoes, we can set them in any shape. Once you tip the edge of a domino, they all fall in a row.

“Dominoes” from Wet Cement by Bob Raczka

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

If possible, work with a partner to answer the following questions:

  • What do you notice about the shape of the poem?
  • What would happen if you changed the shape of the poem?
  • Would it have the same meaning?

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Presenting the poem

What kinds of presentation strategies could you use to present the poem “Dominoes”?

Press ‘Hint’ to reveal some ways to present the poem.

If you want to show the movement of the dominoes, you could practice increasing your pace and volume as you read the poem.

You could also create movements with your hands and change your facial expressions to show excitement.

Visual aids might include pictures of the dominoes standing straight and then falling down in a row.

Review the presentation strategies below, and choose a few strategies that you would like to use.

Press ‘the name of each presentation strategy’ to check its definition.

We can use specific words or vocabulary to help the audience clearly understand our message.

We change our tone to express emotions. Our voice might also go up and down when asking a question.

When we change our pace, it means that we might present our ideas quickly or slowly. If we present too quickly, the audience may not be able to understand our message.

Volume is how loudly or quietly we communicate. We can adjust our volume based on the size and type of audience. Pitch is when we make our voice go high or low, and is connected to our tone.

When we present, we can change our expressions to tell the audience how we feel about the information that we are sharing.

We can use body movement or hand gestures to help communicate meaning.

Positive or friendly eye contact can help us connect to our audience during a presentation.

Using visual aids or props is a way to share information with our audience.

Consolidation

“Balloon” by Bob Raczka

“Balloon” from Wet Cement by Bob Raczka

Brainstorm

What do you think?

Explore the poem “Balloon” by Bob Raczka.

What is the poem about? How do you know?

Consider what kinds of presentation strategies you would like to use to present the poem.

Practice the poem, and then present it for a partner, if possible. You may also create an audio clip or create a description.

Connections

Make a connection

How does the shape of concrete poems help us understand their meaning?

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel…

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.