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



Step-by-step guide to write a nature poem
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!


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
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!


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