Classroom Happenings: Walking Among Words

Seventh-grade students taught by English Teacher Mary Hopkins are exploring an inspiring combination of creative expression this semester: nature and poetry! On a beautiful fall day, students hiked to the woods behind the Bryan Innovation Lab for a poetry walk. 

Greeting the students was a sign encouraging them to “let nature and words guide you.” Teachers in all divisions had chosen their favorite poems to display along the trail on colorful boards. As students walked, they read the poems — some quietly, some aloud — and then discussed them as a group. Each student jotted down 25 words that intrigued or delighted them from the collection of poems, sorted the words into six groups, and circled their favorite words from each group. 

Among the words that Ria Stephen Maxfield ’31 wrote down were “jabberwocky” and “bandersnatch” —  words from “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll. “Those are words you don’t see every day,” said Ria. 

Then it was time to write! Students gathered at tables on the Bryan Lab patio to compose their own poetry using their collected words. They could choose from poetry forms such as haiku, acrostic, limerick, free verse, and sonnet. 

Ria composed a couplet, which began:

She said, “The poetry walk made me appreciate poetry a bit more. Being outside and making and reading poems was so enjoyable.” 

The project exemplifies three of Steward’s six core values: individuality, innovation, and inspiration. Plans are in place for students in all divisions to engage in poetry walks throughout the school year. 

“This was a wonderful way for students to ‘feel’ poetry in a new way,” said Ms. Hopkins. “Being outside on a gorgeous day felt as if nature had sent us an invitation to breathe in the fresh air, listen to birdsong, and explore the world around us. Our schoolwide theme of nature this year is a terrific springboard for learning beyond the traditional classroom. Students thoroughly enjoyed this assignment, and their poetry reflected that.”