Nature is a source of artistic inspiration for many people, from music to painting to writing.
Today we are going to try our hand at poetry writing, so let’s head outside! Perhaps you want to sit in your garden, head to the waterside, or into the woods – it’s up to you. This activity encourages us to spend time in nature and let it spark our imagination! You can use what you see, feel, smell or hear to create your poetry.
To help kick-start your writing, we have provided a collection of word prompts, including sensory rich words to help you create a rich story of your outdoor experience.
Check out some Scottish nature poems, quotes and stories we have pulled together here
What you will need:
- A place to sit outside
- Paper
- Pen/pencils
- Printed activity sheet (optional)
- Scissors (optional)
- Clipboard (optional)
How to write your poetry:
- If you are going to use the word prompts provided you can download them below. Copy down the words or print them off and cut them out to help you visualise your poem
- You can either write your poetry outside or when you are back indoors. We always encourage writing in nature!
- Find a comfy spot and sit down. Can you hear anything? Do you see any wildlife? How do you feel? Write down some words that come to mind.
- If using the prompts, you can shuffle about the prompt words with your own words on the page and try to form some sentences.
- Now try and add in extra words to make lines of poetry. Can you think of some words that sound similar, or rhyme? Don’t worry if not… poetry doesn’t need to rhyme!
- Remember, don’t just write about what you can see! You can describe how things feel, smell, taste and sound too!
- There is no right or wrong here – poetry is unique to you and your feelings.
- Take as long as you need and write as much or as little as you like!
Share your poetry with us by using #DiscoverLearnPlay