Going on a Poetry Walk

Poetry hides everywhere. One of my favorite things to do with young poets is to take them on a poetry walk. Prior to our walk, I explain the rules: no talking, stick together, and write what you notice in your little notebook. As we walk inside and outside the school, we pretend we are invisible. We listen, watch, hear, touch, and notice. It is especially fun when another teacher or student tries to talk to one of the poetry walkers. They typically just look at them, smile, and shake their head. The rule is "no talking" and for the most part the kids stick to it. After we return from our walk, we head over to the meeting area. Often times, poets continue to write their noticings in silence. As a group, we create a list of these noticings. This list becomes the first draft of our poem. On my own, I consolidate the list and create a second draft of our poem. The next day, the students read the second draft and talk about what sticks with them, what patterns they see, and ideas about how to make the list look and sound poemy.

3rd grade writers on a poetry walk.



Group noticings recorded in my little writer's notebook.



Second draft of the poem with additional ideas from the students.