Creative Calligrams: Bringing Words to Life in KS2
If you haven’t used calligrams in your classroom before, you’re in for a treat! A calligram is a word or short phrase where the shape of the letters reflects the meaning of the word itself. For example, the word buzz written in wiggly, zig-zag lines to look like a bee’s flight path, or the word drip shaped like a droplet of water falling. (Photocopiable writing and ideas framework available below.)
Calligrams are simple to introduce but hugely powerful in sparking creativity. They help children see that words aren’t just about meaning — they can also be about visual expression. This playful crossover between art and literacy often unlocks ideas in children who may struggle with more traditional writing tasks.
👉 For another simple but creative poetry idea, take a look at Kennings: Fun and Accessible Poetry for KS2.
👉 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:
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In-person Poetry Days across the UK
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Online Poetry Workshops (affordable and flexible)
➡ Secure your date here: Poets in Schools – Ian Bland
Getting Started
✨ Hook your class by showing some fun examples (see above and below). You could also create a couple of your own in advance to display on the board. Children love seeing that you’ve had a go too!
✨ Model the process: choose a word, brainstorm what it represents, then think of how the letters could be shaped to bring that idea to life. Verbs work brilliantly to start with — words like jump, crash, swirl, splash, explode.
✨ Keep it simple: encourage children to begin with short words and then progress to longer, more ambitious attempts as their confidence grows.
✨ Have a go: Use the Calligrams Writing Framework and Ideas and let your class show their creativity!
👉 Need an easy warm-up? Try some Quick & Easy Poetry Starters for KS2. Art Poems KS2
Calligrams Writing Framework and Ideas
Classroom Activities with Calligrams
Here are some exciting ways you can use calligrams with KS2:
1. The Calligram Starter
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Hand out a worksheet with a list of lively verbs (bounce, slither, zoom, stretch).
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Challenge children to transform the words into pictures using only letters.
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Display the finished calligrams on a class “Word Gallery” wall.
2. Calligram Poetry
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Once children are confident, extend the activity into whole poems.
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For example, ask them to write a short descriptive poem about the sea, then turn one or two of their key words (wave, splash, drift, tide) into calligrams inside the poem itself.
👉 You can link this to Poems About the Seasons for KS2 Classrooms for cross-curricular inspiration.
3. Seasonal Calligrams
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Use a theme such as Autumn, Christmas, or World Book Day.
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Children choose words linked to the theme (snowflake, pumpkin, magic, celebrate) and create a set of festive calligrams to decorate the classroom.
👉 For more festive poetry fun, see Christmas Poetry Activities for KS2.
4. Group Calligram Challenge
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Split the class into groups of 4–5. Give each group a different topic (e.g. space, rainforest, sport, weather).
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Their task is to create a mini poster filled with calligrams connected to their theme.
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Finish with a “gallery walk” where groups tour the room to admire each other’s creations.
5. Performance Calligrams
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Invite children to present their calligrams aloud — they hold up their word while saying it with matching expression.
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For example, a child holding the word shout drawn in big bold block letters could deliver it with a loud voice, while whisper might be drawn small and faint and performed softly.
👉 To explore more performance-based ideas, read Performance Poetry in Primary Schools.
Why Calligrams Work So Well
Teachers often tell me that even reluctant writers come alive during this activity. It’s creative, low-stakes, and allows children to play with language in a way that feels fun and artistic. Best of all, it’s a brilliant springboard into more ambitious poetry and creative writing because it puts children into the right mindset: adventurous, imaginative, and ready to explore words in fresh ways.
So next time you’re planning a poetry lesson, don’t underestimate the power of a quick calligram starter. It might just be the spark your class needs to produce something truly original.
Good luck — and have fun creating your classroom calligram gallery!
👉 Download a calligram worksheet from the selection below:
👉 In my Poetry Days, assemblies are always a highlight. I perform my funniest, liveliest poems, then help classes rehearse and perform their own with actions, sound effects, and confidence.
📅 You can book me for:
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In-person Poetry Days in schools across the UK
-
Online Poetry Workshops for flexible, affordable access
