OCTOPOEMS

PA G E 8 - 9 I N T H E P O E T RY T E C H N I Q U E S B O O K L E T
 WHAT ARE THE RULES WHEN
WRITING AN OCTOPOEM?

Rule: An Octopoem is when a person or topic is

described using metaphors in an eight line format.
 HOW IS AN OCTOPOEM FORMATTED?
Format:
Line 1 Use a colour as a metaphor for your topic/person
Line 2 Use a season as a metaphor for your topic/person
Line 3 Use a place as a metaphor for your topic/person
Line 4 Use a type of weather as a metaphor for your topic/person
Line 5 Use a piece of clothing as a metaphor for your topic/person
Line 6 Use a piece of furniture as a metaphor for your topic/person
Line 7 Use a T.V. show as a metaphor for your topic/person
Line 8 Use a type of food as a metaphor for your topic/person
 LETS LOOK AT AN EXAMPLE!
Person/Topic:

A puppy
A puppy
Format:
Line 1/Colour The puppys fur was golden brown.
Line 2/Season Glistening in the summer sun
Line 3/Place
lay on the patio floor.
Line 4/Weather
Line 5/Clothing He is warm.
Line 6/Furniture The puppy is a jumper,
Line 7/TV Show as comfy as a bed.
Line 8/Food
He is like Bear in the Big Blue House,
A soft iced cupcake.
LETS TRY THIS TOGETHER!
Person/Topic: A Policeman
 INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY TASK:
What you have to do:
Write your name on the top of your Octopoem Octopus activity sheet
On the line located on the Octupuss collar write your chosen person or topic
Write your Octopoem on your chosen person or topic on the tentacles
(representing lines1-8) *It might help if you number the tentacles
Use the slides and your Poetry techniques booklet to help remind you of which
metaphors belong to which line
Once you have completed your Octopoem be ready to share it with the class
Bring your Octopus to life, give him/her a little colour!
 IDEAS:
A dentist A robot
A nurse A dinosaur
A doctor Recess/Lunch
A dog Sport
A dancer Music
A singer Cooking
A mother A soldier
A father A cat
A football player A waitress/waiter
A fireman A fish
An Actress/Actor A astronaut
A swimmer A juggler
A teacher Christmas