Write in free verse
Write a free verse poem about a favorite place, using sensory details, strong images, and varied line breaks to express mood and rhythm.
Step-by-step guide to write a free verse poem about a favorite place
Step 1
Pick your favorite place and say its name out loud.
Step 2
Sit in a comfy spot and take three slow deep breaths to get ready.
Step 3
Close your eyes and imagine being in that place for one minute.
Step 4
Open your eyes and write three short phrases about what you see there.
Step 5
Write three short phrases about the sounds you would hear there.
Step 6
Write one phrase about a smell you notice in that place.
Step 7
Write one phrase about a texture or feeling you could touch or feel there.
Step 8
Choose three feeling words that match the mood of the place and write them down.
Step 9
Write a first draft of a free verse poem about your place using the sensory phrases and feeling words you wrote.
Step 10
Read your poem aloud slowly and listen for lines that sound strong or soft.
Step 11
Change two lines or move line breaks to strengthen images or rhythm.
Step 12
Give your poem a title.
Step 13
Share your finished 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 we use if we don't have paper, a pen, or can't post to DIY.org?
If you don't have paper, a pen, or access to DIY.org, use a phone or tablet voice memo to record the 'three short phrases' and your 'first draft' aloud, or draw the phrases on a whiteboard and share the photo with family instead of posting online.
My child can't imagine the place for a full minute or gets stuck writing sensory phrases—what should we do?
If they can't imagine the place for one minute or stall on the 'three short phrases' about sights or sounds, set a visible 60-second timer, show a photo of the place, and give a quick sensory word list (sight, sound, smell, texture) to jumpstart each phrase.
How can I adapt the activity for different ages or abilities?
For younger kids, shorten steps to one deep breath, draw one picture, and say one feeling word aloud, while older kids can keep all steps, add two extra sensory phrases, and use the 'Change two lines or move line breaks' edit to practice technique.
How can we extend or personalize the free verse project after finishing the poem?
Extend and personalize it by making a photo collage or soundscape of the place to accompany your free verse, illustrating each sensory phrase, recording a slow 'read aloud' performance, giving the poem a title, and then sharing the finished version on DIY.org or with family.
Watch videos on how to write a free verse poem about a favorite place
Free Verse Poetry // Poetry For Kids
4 Videos
Free Verse Poetry // Poetry For Kids
What Is Free Verse Poetry? - Childhood Education Zone
Learning about Free Verse Poems
✏️ How to Write a Free Verse Poem | Poetry Writing for Kids and Beginners
Facts about poetry and creative writing for kids
✍️ Line breaks act like musical rests in a poem: a break can slow you down, speed you up, or create surprise.
🌿 Free verse doesn't follow regular meter or rhyme; Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass (1855) is a famous early example.
🎤 Free verse often sounds like natural speech, which is why it's popular for spoken-word performances.
👀 Imagery uses sensory words so readers can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch what's being described.
👃 Smell links most strongly to memory — odors can trigger vivid memories faster than other senses.
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