Combining Science and Language Arts
To help children get ready to write a poem(s) about clouds students should first observe clouds in the sky (read yesterday's blog post here) and if possible read some books (fiction or non-fiction) about clouds and observe cloud pictures.
Suggested Formats for Poems
Format 1 - Descriptive Poem
~ Brainstorm adjectives used to describe clouds.
~ Brainstorm verbs that are related to clouds and cloud movement.
Format for poem:
- 1st line: Name of cloud
- 2nd line: 3 adjectives that describe the cloud
- 3rd line: 3 verbs related to the cloud
- 4th line: a phrase about the cloud
- 5th line: name of cloud or synonym
- Draw a cloud around the poem!
Format 2 - Acrostic Poem
Use the letters of the word to begin each line in the poem.
Use the letters of the word to begin each line in the poem.
C
L
O
U
D
S
Format 3 - Haiku (Japanese Poem)
The topic must be about nature. It has 3 lines.
- 1st line: 5 syllables
- 2nd line: 7 syllables
- 3rd line: 5 syllables
Format 4 - Couplet
2 line poem that usually rhymes
Format 5 - Free Verse
poetry that does not include a patterned rhyme or rhythm
Format 6 - Syllable Cinquain
5 lines
- 1st line: 2 syllables
- 2nd line: 4 syllables
- 3rd line: 6 syllables
- 4th line: 8 syllables
- 5th line: 2 syllables
As a follow up, students could illustrate their poems with pencils, paints, or other arts and crafts materials.
Have fun!
