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Poetry in the Schoolyard

Elementary, Middle

Description

English Language Arts moves out of the classroom in this reflective writing activity in which students explore a local habitat with their senses. Based on their outdoor experience, the class compiles a list of adjectives that are then used in a creative writing exercise that has students describe their interactions with nature through poetry.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Although this activity focuses on English Language Arts there is a strong link to science objectives that explore the relationships between habitats and living organisms.  Students could create food webs based on their observations and use scientific instruments and dichotomous keys to sort and classify species. 

This lesson could form the basis of a year-long project that explores seasonal changes in nature.  While documenting their  personal experiences through poetry students could also investigate the adaptive strategies used by plants and animals to survive extreme conditions like cold.

The student poems could also become part of an environmental program that highlights the value of nature to Canadians and offers strategies for spending more family time outside.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Writing: Ideas and information can be articulated accurately and imaginatively through the use of writing processes and an understanding of the author’s craft
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Writing: Ideas and information can be articulated accurately and imaginatively through the use of writing processes and an understanding of the author’s craft
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Writing: Ideas and information can be articulated accurately and imaginatively through the use of writing processes and an understanding of the author’s craft
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explore Thoughts, Ideas, Feelings and Experiences
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
  • British Columbia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy
        • Using language in creative and playful ways helps us understand how language works
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Developing our understanding of how language works allows us to use it purposefully
        • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring and sharing multiple perspectives extends our thinking.
        • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy
        • Questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens.
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy
        • Using language in creative and playful ways helps us understand how language works
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Developing our understanding of how language works allows us to use it purposefully
        • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Access and Explore
        • Exploring and sharing multiple perspectives extends our thinking.
        • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy
        • Questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens.
  • Nova Scotia
  • Nunavut
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy
        • Using language in creative and playful ways helps us understand how language works
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Developing our understanding of how language works allows us to use it purposefully
        • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring and sharing multiple perspectives extends our thinking.
        • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy
        • Questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens.

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (2)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity

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