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Recently, we took our youngest gifted students (grades 1-3) on a field trip to the Acadiana Center for the Arts. There they viewed an exhibit of portraits called FaceTime. We planned an art and poetry activity to enrich the experience. The gallery allowed us to use a workshop room for this activity. We had gathered magazine cut outs of facial features, different colors and textures of paper, and fabric samples. We used cardboard circles for their portraits and encouraged the students to fill the space.
For young students to write a successful poem, a fill-in-the-blank form works well. I adapted a mask poem form. You can download and use the form here. A Portrait Mask Poem
This was a fun learning experience for all of us. Unfortunately, art and creativity are taking a backseat these days in most classrooms. I am happy we were able to provide this experience for our students.
I am a girl.
I am as yellow as a daffodil.
I am curved like a cheerleader.
I dance.
I am feeling cheery.
I wonder if I could join cheerleading.
I can sing.
I am a girl. by Emily
I am big foot.
I am as brown as mud.
I am round like an apple.
I scare people.
I am happy.
I wonder if I will be found.
I scare people.
I am big foot.
By Tobie
Reflections on the Teche 
Thanks for sharing such a great idea! The students look so proud of their creations. The form looks so simple, yet the voice comes through.
“Yellow as a daffodil” – how lovely to see oneself through art! This is wonderful work, Margaret!
Great combination of visual, tactile, and verbal creativity, Margaret. All kids should have the opportunity to do this kind of work — it feeds their emotional growth, as well as their academic growth.
I agree with Laura; the multisensory nature of this activity makes it perfect for all children. Love Emily’s cheerleader!
Cool! I think that creativity is so vital to our future – and to general happiness in life.
They’re all terrific, Margaret. What a fun way to do this kind of poetry.