Write a Poem ft. Nature
Green highlight

Observe plants, animals, and weather outside, collect sensory details, then write a short nature poem using vivid words and rhythm to share your observations.

Orange shooting star
Start Creating
Background blob
Challenge Image
Skill Badge
Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to write a nature poem

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Nature Poem 🌳 | English Poem for Kids | Poem in English for Kids | Learn English | Simple English

What you need
Adult supervision required, notebook, optional colouring materials, pencil, timer or watch

Step 1

Gather your notebook and pencil and bring them outside to a safe spot.

Step 2

Choose a comfortable place near plants or where you can see animals and weather.

Step 3

Set a timer for 3 minutes so you can focus on watching.

Step 4

Sit quietly until the timer stops and watch everything around you.

Step 5

Write down five things you see in your notebook using short words or sketches.

Step 6

Close your eyes and listen quietly for two minutes to notice sounds.

Step 7

Open your eyes and write down five sounds you just heard.

Step 8

Take one deep breath and write three smells or scents you notice.

Step 9

Gently touch a leaf or rock and write two textures you feel.

Step 10

Circle five favourite descriptive words from your lists that sound strong or interesting.

Step 11

Choose a poem type: a haiku (3 lines) or a short free verse (3 to 6 lines).

Step 12

Write your first draft poem using your favourite descriptive words and a clear rhythm.

Step 13

Replace any weak word with a stronger vivid word to make your poem shine.

Step 14

Give your poem a title and write it at the top of your page.

Step 15

Share your finished nature poem on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
Challenge badge placeholder
Challenge badge

Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a notebook, pencil, or a timer for the 3‑minute step?

If you don't have a notebook, pencil, or timer, record notes in your phone's notes app or sketch on a flat leaf with a stick and use your phone or a watch for the 3‑minute timer.

What should I do if my child can't sit quietly or can't hear nature during the 3‑minute watching and 2‑minute listening steps?

If your child can't stay quiet for the 3‑minute watch or 2‑minute listening step, try moving to a closer, calmer spot, shorten the timers to 1 minute to start, and have an adult model sitting still until the step is done.

How can I adapt this poem activity for younger or older children using the listed steps like writing five things and choosing haiku or free verse?

For younger kids, simplify to 3 visible items, 30 seconds listening, and let them draw instead of write while an adult helps title and share; for older kids, extend the timer to 5–10 minutes, aim for a longer free verse (6–10 lines), and use a thesaurus when you replace weak words.

How can we extend or personalize the finished poem beyond the final step to share on DIY.org?

To extend the activity, add sketches of the five things and two textures around the titled poem, record an audio reading to upload to DIY.org, and collect multiple nature poems in a notebook to track your favorite descriptive words over time.

Watch videos on how to write a nature poem

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Recite the poem "I Am A Tree" with Nancy (FULL POEM w/ACTIONS)

4 Videos

Facts about nature observation and poetry

🌧️ A single cumulus cloud can weigh as much as 1 million pounds even though it floats in the sky.

🍂 Haiku poems traditionally include a kigo (a seasonal word) to anchor the poem in nature and time.

👂 Humans can distinguish more than 1 trillion different smells, so sniffing out details can make a poem come alive.

🐦 Scientists have described over 10,000 species of birds worldwide — many are great inspiration for sound-rich lines.

🌿 There are about 390,000 known plant species on Earth, so your backyard could hold dozens of different kinds!

How do I do the "Write a Poem ft. Nature" activity with my child?

Start by taking a short outdoor walk together and ask your child to quietly observe plants, animals, and weather. Encourage them to use all five senses and jot down specific words or phrases in a small notebook. Back inside, pick a few vivid sensory details and arrange them into a short poem—try a haiku or simple four-line verse. Focus on rhythm and strong verbs, read the lines aloud, revise for clarity, and share the poem as a family.

What materials do I need for a "Write a Poem ft. Nature" activity?

You only need a few simple items: a small notebook or clipboard, pencil or pen, and comfortable shoes for walking. Optional extras include crayons or colored pencils for sketching, a camera or phone to capture scenes, a magnifying glass for close-up details, and a lightweight tote for collecting safe natural items. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for comfort during outdoor observation.

What ages is the "Write a Poem ft. Nature" activity suitable for?

This activity can be adapted for ages 3–12+. Preschoolers (3–5) can enjoy sensory noticing and single-word prompts with adult help. Early elementary kids (5–8) can write short lines or a simple haiku with examples and prompts. Older children (9–12+) can experiment with rhythm, imagery, metaphors, and longer poems. Adjust time, prompts, and scaffolding to fit attention spans and writing ability.

What are the benefits and safety tips for doing a nature poem activity?

Benefits include improved observation skills, vocabulary growth, creativity, and emotional connection to nature. Writing poems also builds focus and expressive language. Safety tips: always supervise children outdoors, avoid touching unknown plants or insects, stay on paths, wear sun protection, and bring water. Variations: try an acrostic, found poem using collected words, a group poem where each child adds a line, or a photo-and-poem pairing for older kids.
DIY Yeti Character
Join Frame
Flying Text Box

One subscription, many ways to play and learn.

Try for free

Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required