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Make a Poetry Cube!

By Teachers.Net CommunitycloseAuthor: Teachers.Net Community Name: Teachers.Net Community
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Here’s an neat idea shared by kindergarten teacher Kathy for an appealing and motivating teaching tool that could be used from preschool through primary.

Poetry cube

Start with any cube-shaped box. Mug gift boxes work great, but you could make jumbo size cubes, too, with large boxes and extra large print, especially suited to the youngest students.

Cover the box with wrapping paper that fits the theme. The poetry cube shown here was made to use during a butterfly theme, so the wrapping paper is decorated with flowers and butterflies.

Select and print out 6 poems, then glue one on each side of the covered box. To fit the theme here, all of the poems are about butterflies and caterpillars.

In order to prolong its busy life in the hands of many young students, this cube was covered with clear, wide package wrapping tape – the kind used to secure packages before mailing.

How the poetry cube is used is limited only by your – and your students’ imagination. The poems you choose for the cube can be duplicated on chart paper and read together during group time, then read independently by children in Learning Centers, rolling then reading or reciting the poem that comes out on top.

Or, during Circle Time, the Helper of the Day or other student can roll the cube to determine which poem is read by the class or individuals from the matching chart.

Students could pair up or work in small groups, rolling the cube to a friend who then reads the poem aloud.

We can imagine making a poetry cube for every theme throughout the year!

How would you adapt this concept to other applications? Add your ideas in the Comments section below!

Note: If you’re doing a Butterfly Theme, be sure to check out this great collection of teacher-submitted posts in the Teachers.Net Lesson Bank, with activities related to butterflies, caterpillars, life cycle! Be sure to submit your best lessons and activities, too! Click here for several poems you might use on your poetry cube.