Writing spine poems is a marvelously fun activity that opens up a world of creativity for kids who are intimidated by writing poetry.
What is Book Spine Poetry?
A spine poem is a poem created by stacking books, spine side out, so that the titles create a poem when read in succession. The poems can be long or short, depending on how many books in the stack.
These "found poems" are delightful, and are freed from the conventions and rules of standard poetic forms. They need not rhyme (indeed, they rarely do) or conform to any preordained rhythmic structures.
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How to Create a Spine Poem
1. Peruse the bookshelves for book titles that catch your eye. Choose as many books as you want and bring them over to a table.
2. Pick out a title that you want to be the first line of your poem. Place that book flat on the table. Next place more books underneath the first book. These will serve as lines in the poem.
3. Experiment with the order of the books, taking time to decide on how you want your poem to flow and what story you want it to tell. Do any of the book titles make a good ending to the poem?
4. Once you have decided on the final order of the spines, share your poem with someone. You may want to give your spine poem a title, or copy down the lines on a separate piece of paper. Don't forget to take a photo to save your spine poetry for posterity!
Tip: If you are having writer's block, choose book titles around a common theme or interest such as nature, animals or a color.
MORE: Poetry Bingo is a great way to make learning about poetry fun!
Spine Poem Examples
Being a bird enthusiast, my son had to create his first spine poem with a book theme.
Today at the Bluebird Cafe
Cooking for the Birds
Bird Talk
Birdsongs
Cook-A-Doodle-Doo!
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And his next spine poem celebrated his second favorite topic: transportation!
Along A Long Road
Go! Go! Go!
Five Trucks
Cars Galore
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I had a great fun creating spine poems, too!
Because Amelia Smiled
The Composer Is Dead
A Beasty Story
Some Things Are Scary
Admittedly, I had a little subversive fun with this activity!
MORE: Concrete Poetry for Kids
One the Day You Were Born
Something Special
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Children Make Terrible Pets
Balloons Over Broadway
Rainstorm
Pop!
Kapow!
The Terrible Plop
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Anna says
Wow, I've never heard of this. What a wonderful idea! I'm just starting to do more writing with my little ones. I think my six-year-old would really love this.
Erica MomandKiddo says
It's such a fun idea, I wish I had thought of it myself. 🙂
Ticia says
My daughter would love this! She says she's a poet.....
Darshana says
Fun post. I will have to make some.
Megan says
I have never ever heard of this! I am totally obsessed! So cool! Thanks for sharing!!!
Kelly @ IdealistMom.com says
What an awesome idea! My 5yo is just starting to read, so this will be a perfect activity before too long. Pinning now!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Kelly. We've been having so much fun with it.
Meredith @ A TIPical Day says
I love this idea! I have a few reluctant poets myself, and this will be great for them! Thanks for Sharing at the Kids Crafts linkup party! 🙂
Carolyn @ Pleasantest Thing says
I love this! This is such a fun activity. And leads to lots of giggles.
Johanna says
Great idea! Thanks for sharing it. I'll post some pics soon on your FB page!
Ana says
This is such a cool idea!