Blackout poetry can be an excellent classroom or nurture group activity. It is a thoughtful, calming task that encourages emotional expression and creativity.
It’s low-pressure, simple to set up, and can help with self-reflection. Both primary and secondary school pupils can benefit from this activity. Learn more about nurture groups.
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What is blackout poetry?
Blackout poetry is a creative form of found poetry. Using a page of existing text (from an old book, magazine, or article), pupils can pick out words or short phrases that speak to them. The remaining text is blacked out or illustrated over, leaving just the words of the poem.
It’s imaginative and meditative, offering a unique way for pupils to explore their thoughts and feelings without starting from a blank page.
What you'll need:
- Photocopied pages (these could be from books, articles, magazines, etc.)
- Pencils (for choosing words)
- Black markers or coloured pens
- Optional: craft supplies (for titles, borders, or illustrations)
How to run the activity
1. Set the scene:
Begin by explaining what blackout poetry is. If possible, show examples of blackout poetry that you have already completed. This can help spark ideas and reduce anxiety.Â
Reassure the group that this is about expression, not perfection, and let them know that they don’t need to worry if it looks messy. Let them know that their completed poem could be funny, emotional, abstract, etc. and it doesn’t matter how it turns out. Make sure that they know that sharing their poem at the end is entirely optional.
2. Choose a page
Let each child choose a page that appeals to them. Different types of texts can produce very different poems, so variety helps.
3. Discover the words
Encourage pupils to read through the page and circle words or phrases in pencil that catch their eye— these could be words that make them feel something, remind them of something, or just sound interesting/funny.
(Doing this in pencil means they can rub out and start again if needed)
4. Black it out
Using markers or pens, pupils then black out the rest of the page, leaving only their selected words visible. The rest of the words can either be covered with solid black or patterns and pictures that match the feeling of their poem.
5. Finishing touches (optional)
Children may wish to give their poem a title, decorate the page further, or write the poem out separately on another sheet. Offer the chance to share with the group—but make it clear this is voluntary.
Examples of black out poetry.
Tips for success
- Model the activity yourself if possible—showing your own poem (even a messy one) can help ease nerves.
- Ensure that the class know that there is no right or wrong way to do this. If their poem doesn’t make perfect sense, that’s fine—it’s about what the words evoke for them.
- Offer quiet support as needed, and celebrate the process rather than just the final product.
Reflection questions
When the session ends, you could invite reflection with a few gentle questions:
- What was it like to make your poem?
- Did any words surprise you?
- Would you want to try this again?
Blackout poetry and nurture
Blackout poetry invites calm focus, builds confidence in creative expression, and offers a quiet space for thoughts to take shape in a setting where children need to feel safe, heard, and nurtured.
When children and young people feel safe and their words, thoughts and actions are valued they develop a sense of belonging to the school.
A pupil’s relationship with a teacher or other adults in the school is the strongest predictor of emotional wellbeing (Obsuth et al., 2017) and creative activities are an excellent path to establishing strong relationships.
Positive relationships help pupils learn, adapt, develop, feel safe and succeed.Â
Looking for more nurture group activities? Check out 5 easy craft ideas for children in nurture groups or Toast time.
