Found Poetry Collage Art
Cut interesting words and phrases from old magazines and newspapers, arrange them into a poem, and glue them on paper — creating art and poetry simultaneously.
What You'll Need
- 1Old magazines and newspapers
- 2Scissors
- 3Glue stick
- 4Paper or cardstock
- 5Markers for decoration
What You'll Need
Old magazines, newspapers, or catalogs
Scissors
Glue stick
Paper or cardstock
Markers for decoration
How to Play
Gather old print materials to cut up.
Cut out 30-40 interesting words and phrases.
Spread cutouts on a table.
Arrange into a poem. Move pieces like a puzzle.
Look for mood, story, or image connections.
Glue the arrangement onto paper.
Add hand-drawn borders and illustrations.
Read aloud, title it, and display as art.
Tips
Found poetry removes the "blank page" problem entirely. Your child doesn't have to generate words — they just have to arrange them. For kids who freeze when told to "write a poem," this is liberating.
The selection process is itself a creative act. Choosing WHICH words to cut out reveals your child's aesthetic preferences and vocabulary interests.
Found poetry produces surprisingly beautiful results because magazine language is designed to be vivid and evocative. Words like "shimmer," "escape," "discover," and "endless" are common in ads.
This activity bridges art and writing. The finished piece is both a visual collage and a literary work — perfect for kids who are more visual than verbal.
Make found poetry a recurring activity. Different source materials (fashion magazines vs. newspapers vs. science magazines) produce very different poems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 40 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: old magazines and newspapers, scissors, glue stick, paper or cardstock, markers for decoration.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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