Paint a Watermelon Poem: Combining Art and Poetry

Hello Everyone!

I have another Paint a Poem post for your today. But before I show you what I’ve done I’d like to explain the why’s of the process.

What are the Benefits of Art Integration in the Classroom?

Responding to a painting, either your own or someone else’s, is a wonderful way to encourage creativity and imagination. It’s well researched that drawing or painting in the pre-writing stage of the writing process can be highly motivating, as it helps students generate and organize their ideas.

Drawing before writing tends to be commonplace in primary classrooms, but it doesn’t need to stop there. Lots of learners, especially those who are predominantly visual, can really benefit with some pre-drawing or painting time, even when they’re much older.

It’s also a valuable process for reluctant writers, since the visual arts can be a relaxing process which loosens up the mind and allows for freer expression.

Integrating art and poetry also encourages risk-taking, introduces and/or helps kids recognize a new skill, AND it’s just a lot of fun!

Let’s Get Started!

Here’s what my final Paint a Watermelon Poem looks like. Yours will look a little different and probably a whole lot better!

Directions for Painting a Watermelon

1. Using clear water paint a triangle shape on your watercolour paper. The edge opposite the point should be rounded.
2. Using a rounded brush drop in 2 or 3 shades of red and pink. Move the paint around a little bit if you like, but mostly let it do its thing.
3. When the red part is mostly dry, paint clear water above the curved edge. Leave a dry space between the water and the painted watermelon. This will be the rind.
4. Drop in 2 different shades of green and a bit of yellow. Leave it be and let it all dry.
5. Once it’s completely dry, use your sharpie or micron pen to draw in some little watermelon seeds.
6. While it’s drying you can start writing your poem.

If your green rind touches your wet red paint a bit, don’t worry! That’s what happened with one of my attempts and I think it looks very pretty with the colours intermingling.

Directions for Writing a Free-Form Watermelon Poem

1. If possible, bring a real watermelon into the classroom.
2. Cut it into pieces and let everyone have a taste.
3. On a scrap piece of paper just start writing all the images that come to mind while you look at your painting and the real watermelon, and while you’re savouring the delicious flavours.
4. Choose your favourite words and phrases and use those for your poem.
5. Don’t worry about rhymes. We’re free-forming it!
6. When your painting is dry, add the seeds and print your poem using a fine tip sharpie or a micron pen.

That’s it! I hope you give it a try.

The Paint a Watermelon Poem goes perfectly with the book Mouse’s First Summer.

Be sure to check out Paint a Flower Poem.

I also have directions for Paint a Popsicle Poem which includes a list of supplies you’ll need.

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