Our 5 senses are typically the focus of science instruction early in Kindergarten. This form poem would be an easy way to apply what students are learning by writing a class poem. For older students it would be a good opportunity to encourage them to use detailed descriptive language.
Fall, fall, what does it look like?
Fall looks like...
Fall, fall, what does it sound like?
Fall sounds like...
Fall, fall, what does it smell like?
Fall smells like ...
Fall, fall what does it taste like?
Fall tastes like...
Fall sensory poems are also an enjoyable way to teach onomatopoeia (written sounds). It is the perfect season for: Crunch! Crackle! Hoot!
Haiku is a lovely way to teach children about syllable structure. While it was a bit tricky for my students yet in second grade it is a good opportunity to practice as a group. Most students third grade and older should be ready to take on the haiku challenge independently. Perhaps it would be best to begin by providing a seasonal object (apple, pumpkin, leaf, scarecrow) for students to focus their poem on.
For those unfamiliar with Haiku, the structure is as follows:
5 syllables
7 syllables
5 syllables
the scarecrows stand tall
intimidating the crows
weathering the chill
{terribly lame I realize, but it gives you the idea...by the way, it would be fun if you'd share your own fall haiku in the comments today!!!}
At the beginning of the year in my second grade class the students enjoyed writing Fall is form poems to learn about the differences between nouns and verbs. After writing their poems the students choose whether to present their poems in song, with actions, or with illustrations.
Fall is…
Noun, verb
Noun, verb
Noun, verb
{allow the students to create as many combinations as they want}
adjective
Example:
Fall is
cider simmering
pumpkins glowing
leaves dancing
magical
For upper elementary aged students a Fall acrostic poem would be appropriate. After brainstorming seasonal words students may creatively assemble their acrostic.
Small Types inspired her lego crazed little one to create poetry with his favorite toy. I imagine this would make a fun center activity in any classroom.
At Crayon Bits the first grade teacher encourages reading fluency using poetry.
Small Types also put together their own version of an on-the-go poetry activity that does not require any materials.
Read. Write. Think. has a fun interactive acrostic poem building activity.
First Grade Serenade explains how she uses poetry in the classroom and shares poems of the month.
Celebrate Poetry with a great list of activities from Kristine O'Connell George: Post It Poems, Balloon Poems, Cookie Poems and so much more!
Update: This giveaway is now closed. The winner has been chosen by Random.org
"Brandy said...
My daughter is gifted in language and would adore this book! She gets so giddy over word play and is constantly writing creatively. Thank you for this chance!"
Enjoy!
April is National Poetry Month. Poetry is one of those creative writing ventures that you can't just teach with a simple 1, 2, 3. There are many formula type poems: Bio Poems, Haiku, Acrostics, Limericks, and more. Yet, quality poetry requires a different way of thinking, looking at the world, and honestly reflecting on it.
True poetry requires word play, imagination, open ended questions, and plenty of blank pages for words to roam. Rip the Page! provides just what writers of all ages need to turn on their creative writing brain. Karen Benke, an experienced teacher of poetry, has put together an exciting resource for writers who are willing to explore.
My first grader and I have spent many April evenings diving in to the adventures offered on each page of this "Just Do It" book. I would never describe myself as a creative writer, but I will tell you what this book makes it fun! We started with the first exercise in the book, an open ended statement, "I Write with..." It was exciting to see Gavin begin to think beyond his pencil and paper.
Another exercise encouraged us to name each of our fingers and toes. It was interesting to watch my son thoughtfully consider what each one of his fingers should be named and why. Since I have never named his fingers as pointer, ring man, and pinky he really had no schema tying his imagination down on this one.
Rip the Page encourages vocabulary and word experimentation in a way that is zany and entertaining.
As writers work their way around the book they are encouraged by notes from famous authors such as Annie Barros, Lemony Snicket, and Patricia Polacco.
According to the press release for the book, "The exercises in Rip the Page! aren’t designed like a school assignment or extra-credit composition. They’re meant to amuse and inspire your child, showing him or her how fun and freeing creative writing can be even when it’s not being graded. Benke, who has led creative writing workshops for children for sixteen years, knows what kinds of prompts excite her students and how to get their pens moving."
This eye catching, engaging book would be a wonderful addition to any classroom. With a very reasonable price it would be a nice gift for your favorite teacher during Teacher Appreciate week or as a year end gift. for ordering information, additional reviews, and a workshop possibilities check out Karen's site.
We are pleased to be able to offer one of our readers a copy of the book thanks Shambhala Publications, Inc. Leave a word or two of your own in the comment blank to be entered to win.
There is no special consideration necessary for entry, although we would love if you would also take a moment to vote for ABC & 123 on the list of TOP 25 Homeschool Blogs or if you would look us up on facebook!
We will use Random.org to select a winner from the comments below after entry closes on May 1 at 10PM EST.
Welcome! New to ABC and 123? Please check out our FAQ in the sidebar. Robert Frost was an American poet who was born in 1874 and is still remembered today for his realistic poetry about rural life. He is still quoted often. Since I was very young I have had the lyrics of Stopping By The Woods on a Snowy Evening committed to memory. It is my Gram's favorite poem and she would recite it for us often. "...The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep." Today, we challenge you to find a Frost poem to read with a child in celebration of his special day. Perhaps choose a poem or two to add to your favorites list. Favorite Poems and Poets provides an extensive link list of Frost's poems. Spend some time in rhyme and verse as inspiration for planning some National Poetry Month activities for April, which is right around the corner.
Welcome to Toddler Time Tuesday! New to ABC and 123?
Please check out our FAQ in the left sidebar.
Act out your favorite repetitive nursery rhymes and stories with 3D objects. Whimsical Ways did just that with the 5 Little Monkeys.
Make animal softies to represent the characters in your child's favorite nursery rhymes. Nurturing the Tender Years has a fun tutorial for how to put together animal softies with your children.
Put together a sock bunny following the step by step instructions provided for your children to use in acting out Little Bunny Foo Foo.
Adventures in Mommydom, shared a cute Ittsy Bitty Spider activity for their poem journal.
Mama Jenn also did a fun project based on that poem, can't figure out what the body is made of? Check out her post to see what she recycled to make it.
Ask Baby has a huge list of nursery rhymes and their lyrics.
Read a selection of fall poems for your personal enjoyment.
The Collaborative Internet Literacy Project defines several simple formats for poetry writing. In addition, they have clever samples of each type of poem as it relates to the fall season. This is a great resource for fall writing projects for elementary aged students.
Review this lesson, appropriate for children in grades 3-5, for writing fall acrostic poetry.
Discover how one author goes about creating his poems. Take an interactive visit to see Jack Prelutsky. He happens to have written our children's favorite collection of Halloween poems.
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