Observing nature quiets a soul and calms our fast-paced lives. Children need time to process their learning, time to explore and think.
Old Elm Speaks, by Kristine O’Connell George, invites you to interact with the world around you. Trees have personalities and beckon us to tell a story. Can you hear the stories the stories they can write? Climbing. Tree houses. Mushroom hunting. On her website, Kristine O’Connell George shares some writing and science activities that go along with this book. Other poetry ideas are on her website as well. Celebrate Poetry Month by including these poems that will connect with children’s hearts. Take a nature walk around the school and notice nature. What tree speaks to you?
Trees.
Ordinary yet unique.
Inaudible yet whispering.
Life.
by MHGensch
Savorings for Old Elm Speaks Tree Poems:
- Personification
- Everyday life – gathering stories/ poetry from around us
- Figurative Language – “a tiny velveteen satchel“
- Description – using comparisons, figurative language, rich language
- Science Link
- Class book idea – create a photo book of trees with the students’ poems, memories
Book Savors 