Outreach for Librarians: Blackout Poetry

Women, 

Competing in a championship today

Is a positive thing.

Stupid to not try.

Sign on board.

Talent and mindset -

Competing didn't bother me.

What was the initiative?

Championship...

Communicate support...

Opportunity...

Positive competition.

by Alexa Azzopardi

Blackout Poetry

Objective: Give the students the opportunity to write poetry, to be creative, and to encourage the appreciation of poetry.  April is Poetry Month.  

Supplies:  old magazines, newspapers, or books that will be destroyed, pencils, scrap paper, Sharpie markers (broad tip helpful), other art supplies are optional

How To:  This activity can be done as a workshop event or an activity station. 

As a station, display examples of blackout poetry, leave the materials, and directions for how to create blackout poetry.  The first link below "The Easy Guide to Blackout Poetry" not only has easy directions and illustrations on how to create blackout poetry, but there is a sign that you can download giving directions on how to do it.  

Alternatives

While students could take their poetry home, you may want to offer display ideas:

• Make a physical copy and display it in the area
• Make an electronic copy and post it to your social media
• Allow students to post it to your social media with hashtags
• Use #blackoutpoetry and your school and/or library hashtags

Forever Changed

The longhorns mustered through the last province.

Forces gathered then provided protection.

Settlers on the Rio Grande remained.

Boundaries end.

Population would grow along the river.

The Rio Grande

by Alexa Azzopardi