Hello my Omschooligans! Summer vacation is almost here and parents, you may be wondering just what in the world you're going to do with your kids for three months. So, here are summer enrichment activities for kids. Host a writers workshop for nature poetry using these creative writing prompts. Or better still, call it a nature poetry party! That way, kids will be enthused about summer enrichment activities and not dread them like summer school (it's all in the wording!) Use these creative writing prompts for National Poetry Month.
Surprise Party!
Don't give the kids any warning. Just announce: "Time to D.E.A.R--drop everything and rhyme!" Go for a wander in the woods or along the beach. Have kids find a cozy spot to meditate on the wonders of the great outdoors. Use them as creative writing prompts for nature poems. Poetry is the perfect venue to express the joy of nature and nature is the ideal subject for poems! Use these summer enrichment activities with all children. No one is too young or old for creative writing. Little ones can dictate their nature poems then illustrate with their wonderful pictures.
Build on Writer's Block
Plan for creative writing blocks by coming prepared with some poem prompts and poetry frames (see links below). Sometimes the hardest part of writing poetry is knowing how to begin. So a quick discussion might include:
- What constitutes a poem?
- Do you have to follow a format? (no, you can just write what comes into your head. That's call free verse).
- What do you do when can't think of anything to write about? (suggestions include observing a specific thing in nature, like a tree. Or describe the cat cleaning himself.)
- Remind poetry party guests that words are the the medium, like clay or crayons for an artist. And words are just thoughts and ideas on paper.
- Encourage kids to express what they're thinking or feeling as they observe nature. Then, just write it down. Don't worry about spelling, grammar or punctuation.
- Combine fresh air, exercise, and science lessons in a nature poetry party.
- One of the best summer enrichment activities is to visit a nature trail.
- Have kids stroll and jot down sensations (be sure to use all the senses-- sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.
- Listen to the birds and describe their song.
- Sniff the trees and flowers.
- Taste the fruit (be sure it's safe) Some of my poems feature wintergreen berries my grandpa and I found in our Michigan dune woods rambles.
- Feel the water in the stream. Let the sand trickle through your fingers.
- Kids can jot thoughts down and arrange material into more cohesive nature poetry later.
Nature Poetry Party: Activity Outline
Preparation
Gear Up: Gather notebooks, pencils, water bottles, and energy bars in a backpack.
Go Unplugged: Set a "no electronics" rule for the duration of the party.
Mindset: Frame the activity as a fun "party" rather than "summer school" to encourage participation.
Read some nature poems in advance to get creative juices flowing. Here are some from my blog The Writer's Garden.
The Outdoor Experience
The Wandering: Head to the woods, a beach, or a local nature trail.
Mindful Observation: Find a cozy, quiet spot to observe the surroundings.
Sensory Collection: Use the five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste—if safe) to gather material.
Example: Listen to birds, smell flowers, feel the texture of bark or water.
The Writing Process
Brainstorming: Write down observations—don't worry about spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
Drafting: Use poetry frames (see links below) to help overcome writer's block.
Support: For younger children, allow them to dictate their poems while you write them down; they can illustrate their work afterward.
Expression: Remind guests that words are simply tools—like crayons for an artist—used to express thoughts and feelings.
Sharing and Celebration
The Circle: Gather in a circle (e.g., under a tree) to share poems and thoughts with the group.
Enjoy some healthy snacks! Like GORP (good old raisins and peanuts) which is kind of a poem starter in itself! Or write about the umami taste of apple and cheese slices eaten together. (don't forget to clean up your area!)
Free Printable Poetry Frames & Resources
Using structured frames can be a fantastic way to give children the confidence to start writing. Here are several places to find free printables:
Barefoot Books: Free Poetry Frames for Kids Teachers Pay Teachers (Free Search) Education World: Poetry Starters Teach Starter: Poetry Resources Storyboard That: Poetry Posters & Templates
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