Rice bag poems, also known as "crisscross poems" or "interlocking poems," have been a popular activity in elementary school classrooms for decades. These poems are typically written on a grid, with each line building upon the previous one to create a cohesive and often clever poem. In recent years, rice bag poems have experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.
One of the reasons rice bag poems are so well-liked is that they offer a fun and interactive way to teach children about poetry and language arts. By using a grid-based format, students can focus on the sounds and rhythms of words, rather than just the meaning. This can help them develop their phonological awareness and language skills in a more engaging and creative way.
For teachers and parents looking to incorporate rice bag poems into their lesson plans or homeschooling activities, we've put together a collection of 5 free printables. These printables include a variety of themes and grid sizes, so you can choose the ones that best fit your needs.
Benefits of Rice Bag Poems
In addition to their educational value, rice bag poems also offer several other benefits. For example, they can help children develop their critical thinking skills, as they learn to make connections between words and ideas. They can also foster creativity and self-expression, as students are encouraged to think outside the box and come up with unique and innovative ideas.
Furthermore, rice bag poems can be a great way to build community and encourage collaboration in the classroom. By working together on a poem, students can learn to appreciate each other's perspectives and ideas, and develop a sense of teamwork and cooperation.
Rice Bag Poem Printable 1: Spring Theme
Our first printable features a spring theme, with a grid size of 4x4. This is a great size for younger students, as it allows them to focus on a smaller number of words and ideas. The theme of spring is also perfect for this time of year, as it encourages students to think about the changing seasons and the new life that comes with them.
How to Use This Printable
- Start by distributing the printable to your students and explaining the concept of a rice bag poem.
- Have each student choose a word or phrase to write in the first square of the grid.
- Then, ask each student to pass their paper to the person on their right.
- The next student will then write a word or phrase in the second square of the grid, building upon the idea or theme of the first student's word.
- Continue this process until each student has contributed to the poem.
Rice Bag Poem Printable 2: Summer Theme
Our second printable features a summer theme, with a grid size of 5x5. This is a great size for older students, as it allows them to think more critically and come up with more complex ideas. The theme of summer is also perfect for this time of year, as it encourages students to think about the warm weather and outdoor activities.
How to Use This Printable
- Start by distributing the printable to your students and explaining the concept of a rice bag poem.
- Have each student choose a word or phrase to write in the first square of the grid.
- Then, ask each student to pass their paper to the person on their right.
- The next student will then write a word or phrase in the second square of the grid, building upon the idea or theme of the first student's word.
- Continue this process until each student has contributed to the poem.
Rice Bag Poem Printable 3: Animal Theme
Our third printable features an animal theme, with a grid size of 4x4. This is a great size for younger students, as it allows them to focus on a smaller number of words and ideas. The theme of animals is also perfect for this age group, as it encourages students to think about the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it.
How to Use This Printable
- Start by distributing the printable to your students and explaining the concept of a rice bag poem.
- Have each student choose a word or phrase to write in the first square of the grid.
- Then, ask each student to pass their paper to the person on their right.
- The next student will then write a word or phrase in the second square of the grid, building upon the idea or theme of the first student's word.
- Continue this process until each student has contributed to the poem.
Rice Bag Poem Printable 4: Friendship Theme
Our fourth printable features a friendship theme, with a grid size of 5x5. This is a great size for older students, as it allows them to think more critically and come up with more complex ideas. The theme of friendship is also perfect for this age group, as it encourages students to think about the importance of relationships and community.
How to Use This Printable
- Start by distributing the printable to your students and explaining the concept of a rice bag poem.
- Have each student choose a word or phrase to write in the first square of the grid.
- Then, ask each student to pass their paper to the person on their right.
- The next student will then write a word or phrase in the second square of the grid, building upon the idea or theme of the first student's word.
- Continue this process until each student has contributed to the poem.
Rice Bag Poem Printable 5: Holiday Theme
Our fifth and final printable features a holiday theme, with a grid size of 4x4. This is a great size for younger students, as it allows them to focus on a smaller number of words and ideas. The theme of holidays is also perfect for this age group, as it encourages students to think about the different celebrations and traditions that take place throughout the year.
How to Use This Printable
- Start by distributing the printable to your students and explaining the concept of a rice bag poem.
- Have each student choose a word or phrase to write in the first square of the grid.
- Then, ask each student to pass their paper to the person on their right.
- The next student will then write a word or phrase in the second square of the grid, building upon the idea or theme of the first student's word.
- Continue this process until each student has contributed to the poem.
We hope these printables are helpful in encouraging your students to think creatively and develop their language skills. Remember to have fun and be flexible – the most important thing is to enjoy the process of creating and learning together!
What is a rice bag poem?
+A rice bag poem is a type of poem that is written on a grid, with each line building upon the previous one to create a cohesive and often clever poem.
How do I use these printables?
+Start by distributing the printable to your students and explaining the concept of a rice bag poem. Have each student choose a word or phrase to write in the first square of the grid, then pass their paper to the person on their right. The next student will then write a word or phrase in the second square of the grid, building upon the idea or theme of the first student's word. Continue this process until each student has contributed to the poem.
What are the benefits of using rice bag poems in the classroom?
+Rice bag poems offer several benefits, including developing critical thinking skills, fostering creativity and self-expression, and building community and encouraging collaboration in the classroom.