How to write a pirate list poem

One of my favourite ways to spark imagination in the classroom is by using a Dead Man’s Chest—or, as I sometimes call it, a Pirate’s Treasure Chest.

I bought a wooden chest that looks mysterious, as if a pirate might once have owned it. Inside, I placed a collection of unusual and ancient-looking objects. These objects immediately grab children’s attention—they can’t resist picking them up, holding them, and wondering about their stories.

Step 1: Introduce the Objects

Start by placing a few items from the chest onto tables around the classroom. Let the children handle them, turn them over, and discuss what they notice.

Encourage curiosity by asking questions such as:

Where might this object have come from?
Who originally owned or made it?
Who was the last important person to handle or wear it?
If this object could talk, what story would it tell?
Does it hold any secrets?

Step 2: Turn Curiosity Into Poetry

After the discussion, challenge children to draft list poems inspired by the objects. Each line of the poem should answer one or more of the questions above.

The aim isn’t to rhyme, but to create vivid images and surprising stories. Here are some wonderful examples from a past Year 6 workshop:

Ancient keys that click the lock on the secret vampire’s coffin
A unicorn’s horn frozen for eternity in volcanic stone
The bowl that held the rice of the last meal of the kidnapped emperor
Diamond pearls that fell like tears from a snow leopard’s eye

Encourage pupils to make their lines as imaginative and unexpected as possible.

Step 3: Share and Shape the Poem

When each group has written their lines:

Collect them onto a flipchart.
Read through them together.
Ask the class:
- Which lines do we like best?
- Could any be improved?
- Do any surprise us?
- Would the poem feel different if we changed the order of the lines?

This turns the activity into a collaborative poem, created by the whole class.

Extra Activities for KS2

Alternative Chests: If you don’t fancy a pirate’s chest, try a Secret Agent’s Briefcase, Time Traveller’s Suitcase, or Jungle Explorer’s Rucksack. Each one opens up a new world of inspiration.
Character Poems: Challenge children to write from the perspective of the object itself. For example: “I am the crown stolen from a sleeping king…”
Performance Twist: Let children perform their poems in groups, using actions or props from the chest to bring them alive.
🔗 Related: Performance Poems KS2
Cross-Curricular Link: Tie the objects into a history topic. A Roman coin, a Viking brooch, or a Victorian key can lead to poems steeped in historical imagination.
🔗 Related: Cross-Curricular Poetry KS2
Art & Design: Ask pupils to illustrate their object-inspired poem with a sketch, or design a treasure map showing where the chest was found.

Why This Works

This activity always produces imaginative writing that pupils are proud of. It gives them a concrete starting point, but allows space for creativity and invention. Even reluctant writers often surprise themselves with the stories they uncover.

So whether you use a Pirate’s Chest, a Secret Agent’s Briefcase, or a Time Traveller’s Suitcase—bring some mystery into your classroom and watch the magic happen.

Have fun writing with your class!

👉 In my Poetry Days in primary schools across the UK I work hard to get the children excited about writing and performing their own poems. I visit over 100 schools every year and I’d love to work with your children and teachers.

📅 You can book me for: