Creative Writing Activity
In this activity, children will discuss the different sounds they hear at
night, sounds that they don't usually hear during the day. Then they will
write and record a poem about these night sounds.
WHAT YOU NEED
- Strips of oak tag
- Pocket chart (optional)
- Tape recorder
WHAT TO DO
- Discuss with children the difference in the level of noise during the
night and during the day. Explain that because there is more activity during
the day (people are going about their business, radios are playing, cars and
trucks are moving, etc.), there is generally more noise, and some sounds may
get drowned out by others. At night it is usually quieter, so there may be
some sounds that children are especially aware of during the night. Ask
children if they have ever noticed certain sounds during the night that
they don't usually hear during the day. Record their answers on strips of
- Then tell children that they are going to make a group poem about night
sounds. Write the title Night Sounds on a strip of oak tag, or have children
suggest a title, and display it in a pocket chart or on a table. Next, read
aloud the other strips and work together with the children to create a poem
about night sounds by arranging the strips in an order that most children
- When the poem is finished, read it aloud with children several times,
encouraging them to actually make the noises mentioned in the poem. When
children know the poem well enough, have them recite it (noises and all)
while you record it. Keep the tape in the listening center.
- Put the strips in the writing center and let children work alone or with
a partner to create other night sounds poems.
- Have children draw a picture to illustrate the poem, then make a copy of
the poem to attach to their drawings.
- Arrange the strips in such a way as to make the poem a haiku. It may be
possible to create several haiku from the children's suggestions.
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