This is a great activity for National Poetry Month, a study of Japanese culture, or just for a fun writing-meets-art activity! Students write Japanese tanka poems and then use an ink-blowing technique to decorate their work. Don't worry; it's not as messy as it sounds and the final results are very impressive looking. Kids loved it (cynical juniors, usually!) and I loved it, too. I did this with my 11th graders, but I think even elementary kids could complete this activity with guidance.
I have fiftenn years of teaching experience in a small town, rural school district. I have taught freshmen, sophomores, juniors, honors sophomores and honors juniors.