Materials Needed

• Copies of a short, simple poem (one per student or even the same one for all to use!)
• Pencils, markers, colored pencils
• “Word Bank” sheets (optional for word swap ideas)
• Chart paper/whiteboard

Activity Steps

Introduction (5 min)

• Discuss what “exchange” means.
• Connect to poetry: “Today we are going to exchange words in a poem — like trading toys — to create something brand new!”

Model the Activity (5–10 min)

• Show a short poem.
• Together, pick 3–5 words to swap out.
• Brainstorm replacement words.
• Read the new version aloud — notice how/what feels different!
• Remember to credit the original poem/poet.

Original	eXchange some words	Reinvented
Jack and Jill went up the hill To fetch a pail of water; Jack fell down and broke his crown, And Jill came tumbling after.	Jack – Max Jill – Ann hill-stairs …	Max and Ann went up the stairs To grab a jug of juice; Max – he tripped- and dropped his phone, And Ann came tumbling after.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul – And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all –	Hope – Joy thing – kite feathers – ribbons ….	“Joy” is the kite with ribbons – That dances in the soul – And hums the breeze without the words – And never stops – at all –

Time for the ‘Word Exchange!’ (20 min)

• Let students pick a poem they want to use for this exercise – their choice or from a pre-determined list of poems to use.
• Students pick 3–5 words they want to “exchange.”
• Swap words using their own ideas or a provided “word bank.”
• Rewrite the original poem with these new words.
• (Optional: decorate the poem with small drawings.)

Sharing (10 min)

• Volunteers share their remixed poems.
• Quick reflection: “How did changing the words change the feeling or story?”

Accommodations/Modifications

Younger Students (1st–2nd) can work together as a whole class to exchange words (1-2 words to start with using word bank options).

Older Students (6th+) can work on exchanging not just words but entire lines or themes! Further, challenge them to swap words while keeping the rhythm or rhyme intact.

eXchange eXtensions

• Partner Remix: Students trade their remixed poems with a friend and remix again!
• Visual Poetry: Students illustrate both the original and the remixed poem.
• One Poem, Many Paths: Give all the students the same original poem, and see how each one creates a new poem from it!
• Poetry Anthology: Collect all the exchanged poems into a class poetry book titled “X is for eXchange”!
• Guess the Original: Let students pick a poem from those the class heard before and work on their exchange poem. Have students share their new poem with the exchanged words and let others try to guess the original poem

eXchanging Garlands and More

Today’s NaPoWriMo prompt challenges us to write a poem that involves music at a ceremony or event of some kind. And since I was in that exchange mode, I immediately recalled this:

In Tamil weddings, one of the most joyful traditions is the Maalai Matral — the exchange of garlands. The bride and groom, each lifted high on the shoulders of their maternal uncles (and/or cousins), playfully try to place flower garlands around each other’s necks. Amid laughter, teasing, and quick dodges, their families cheer them on — a lively dance of love, support, and celebration.
When they finally succeed in garlanding each other, the traditional song “Maalai Satrinaal, Kodhai Maalai Maatrinaal” is sung joyfully by the singers in the family.

My poem is an attempt to capture the spirit of that joyous part of the wedding celebration.

A Flowery Exchange of Love and Joy

The Great Garland Exchange

The blushing bride — she lifts her hands,
The groom — he takes one, no, two steps back.
He twists, he turns, slipping her grasp,
Dodging that flowery snare — that near-miss clasp.

Both lifted high on loving arms,
By uncles and cousins, with all their charms.

She lifts again, she tries — and scores!
The crowd erupts with cheers and roars:
“Go, girl!” they call, their voices bright,
As laughter bubbles through the light.

Now it’s his turn — he strides ahead.
“Will she? Won’t she? Will she?” he treads,
Half-hope, half-dare — until he sees
She’s stepping sideways, swift and free.

The only way to catch her now
Is to rethink — he furrows his brow,
Then smiles, then winks — a sly little feat —
At someone laughing from their seat.

That wink? Oh yes — that did the trick!
She falters — is caught in his garland so quick.
The crowd cheers louder, claps fill the air,
As jasmine and roses weave their snare.

And rising now, a swell of song —
Aunts and uncles, young and old,
Their voices warm, their wishes of gold:

“Maalai saatrinaal, Kodhai maalai maatrinaal…”

The hall, the hearts, the very walls —
All resound with their blessings’ calls.

~ Vidya Tiru @ LadyInReadWrites

• Maalai: flower garland used for rituals and events
• Saarthinaal: Adorned/placed (on someone)
• Kodhai: Refers to Andal, an 8th-century Tamil saint-poetess, the only woman among the Alvars
• Maatrinaal: Exchanged/reciprocated

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, which poem or rhyme or song would you like to try this exchange exercise with? Do let me know? And as always, any and all thoughts and comments on my post are welcome!

I am linking up to A-Z, Blogchatter, UBC, NaPoWriMo.

And you can find all my A-Z posts (this year and previous years’ as well) here:

A to Z Challenge Posts