10 Playful Poetry Activities for the Classroom

Poetry doesn’t have to feel intimidating

Today’s blog post was inspired by National Poetry Day. This year’s theme was PLAY!

Poetry doesn’t have to feel serious or intimidating. Here are 10 simple, fun activities that teachers can use in the classroom — perfect for National Poetry Day or any creative writing session.

1. Blackout Poetry

Give students a newspaper or magazine page. Ask them to cross out words until only a hidden poem remains.

2. Acrostic Poem Challenge

Write a word vertically (e.g. PLAY) and have students start each line with the letters in order.

3. Shape Poems

Encourage students to write a poem in the shape of the subject (a raindrop, a star, a football).

4. Group Poem

Go around the group (or classroom) and let each student add one line to a class poem.

5. Poetry Dice

Assign words to dice rolls (e.g., 1 = “moon,” 2 = “laugh,” etc.). Roll and write a poem with the results.

6. Found Poetry

Ask students to write a poem using words and phrases found around the school: on signs, posters or even in the lunch menu.

7. Speed Poetry

Give students 3 minutes to write a poem on a random theme. Share aloud for fun.

8. Performance Twist

Have students choose their favourite short poem and perform it with gestures, rhythm or sound effects.

9. Collage Poems

Students cut out words or phrases from old magazines, books, newspapers and arrange them into a new poem.

10. Reverse Poems

Challenge older students to write a poem that changes meaning when read backwards (line by line). This is a real challenge!

At Empowerment Consultancy, we support teachers and school leaders to make literacy both purposeful and joyful. From planning engaging lessons to building a whole-school culture of reading and writing, we help you find time, tools and strategies that really work.