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The leaves are changing, and temperatures are – ever so slowly – beginning to fall. Doesn’t it make you want to be outside ALL the time? Why not – Spending time in nature is obviously good for your overall health and gets the grands off screens, so spend all the time you want in the great outdoors!
While you cannot go wrong with anything you do outside, I am always dreaming up new things to try with your grands, and today, that is with a nature-themed poetry session!
If you’re not a writer or experienced poet, don’t fret, as nature poetry is easier (and even more fun!) than you think. Here is how you and your grandchild(ren) can enjoy this unique outdoor activity:
1. Nature walk
Begin your session by walking in a nearby park, forest, or backyard. Bring a notebook and encourage your grandchild to note what they observe, feel, and hear.
2. Prompt ideas
If you’re unsure where to begin, use prompts like “The way the sunset makes me feel…”, “If I were a tree, I’d be…” or “The song of the river speaks of…” (You get the idea!)
3. Natures props
Collect natural elements like leaves, flowers, or pebbles. Once you’re home, you can lay them out and craft poems based on these tangible pieces of nature.
4. Read aloud
Share classic nature poems from poets like Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, or Mary Oliver. (It’s never too early to introduce your grands to some of the all-time greats!) After reading, ask them what imagery stands out and how it makes you both feel.
5. Evolving seasons
As the seasons change, so does nature’s palette. More nature-themed poetry sessions, anyone? For a little inspiration, you can write about the hope of spring, the vibrancy of summer, the melancholy of autumn, and the stillness of winter.
6. Use technology
If your grandchild enjoys gadgets, you can introduce them to poetry apps or websites. Or perhaps, start a blog together where you both can publish your nature-themed poems. (If you do, please share it with me – I will be your first subscriber!)
Additional thoughts
- Shared journal: Keep a shared poetry journal where your grandchild writes a poem, and then you can pen a response, or vice versa.
- Nature night: Dedicate one evening a month to reading, discussing, and writing nature-themed poetry. You can make it even more special with some candles, warm drinks, and perhaps even reciting poetry under the stars.
- Bind it: At the end of the year, compile all the poems you’ve written together into a book. This will make for a cherished keepsake and a testament to the bond you’ve nurtured through poetry.
Conclusion
The next time you hear the rustle of leaves or the chirping of birds, let it be a poetic reminder of the bonds that can be forged when nature, grandma, and grandchild come together. Remember, the aim isn’t just to craft perfect verses but to connect, reflect, and grow together. Enjoy, with your grand girl and boy! (See what I did there? Hehe.)
