The Literacy Worksheet and Guide can be download below. The Literacy Worksheet is an A4 template that folds into a booklet on which the children can write their own poem. The Guide explains how to use the senses and line repetition so that children of all abilities can easily and quickly write an accomplished poem.
The countryside is a wonderful source of inspiration. All of the walks should enthuse the children and increase their ability to write creatively through the stimulation of the senses. This activity focusses on the children using their senses as poetic inspiration, through all that they have seen, felt and heard. If a child has heard the rustling of the leaves, smelt the evocative fragrance of honeysuckle, or touched the rugged bark of the Sweet Chestnut tree, they will become more descriptive in their poem writing. The methodology uses a repeated first and last line which lends a poetic feel to the children’s writing allowing all the children to achieve a ‘successful’ poem. The poem can be in either a three line or a five line format. Choose the poem format relative to their ability.
Find a site on the walk which is stimulating for the children, e.g a viewpoint or an intimate woodland. This activity can take place towards the end of the walk when the children’s senses have been stimulated through a variery of experiences and activities. Sites for this activity are suggested on the walk map.
“I was excited every part of the way,
I love the views of the hills above and below,
The sound from the mooing cows,
And the smell of manure,
I was excited every part of the way”.
Charlotte Tuffin, Hollingbourne.