Stop and Start poetry

This is one of my favourite lessons for poetry. After reading Twilight Comes Twice by Ralph Fletcher, students were given the task of writing a poem that begins and ends with the line - outside my window. They chose a season and worked collaboratively to write a poem using descriptive words.

Here are their poems:


Outside my window

I see the red glow of the sun setting in the horizon.

Soon, the sun is pulled down., overruled by dusk. 

The stars come out and flicker in the sky, visible from miles away.

As the moon sets off a gentle glow into the sky, a single streetlight flashes on and off.

After many hours, the sky opens a crack for the sun, starting a new twilight outside my window.

by Rachel and Chet

Outside my window

leaves hanging by a thread, 

children jumping into piles of leaves, 

wind blows through my hair, 

rain falling from the clouds, 

umbrellas flying in the air.

My hair is flying all over my face, 

squirrels gathering nuts for winter, 

raking up leaves, 

jacket going on.

Outside my window.

by Keerit, Hallie & Kira

Outside my window

I gaze upon a spider web drowned in sparkling dew. 

The brilliant sun rays shine on the leaves which makes them look like pure gold.

The meadow reveals dozens of cherry blossoms sprouting from trees far and wide.

Spring is here, no doubt about that!

The birds are singing a wonderful song to welcome spring to earth

Outside my window.

By Matthew D & Quinn

Outside my window

I feel the breeze of spring coming towards me

The sound of the robins chirping softly in my ears.

I see the squirrel's tiny feet pitter-pattering across the ground so quickly

That I can hardly see them.

Cherry blossoms as pink as bubble gum swaying upon the warm sun 

Outside my window.

By Sofie & Tyler

Outside my window

I can see the flaming sun burning my eyes,

Ice cream dripping on chidren's shoes,

People taking a deep dive in the frozen, cold Pacific Ocean

On my right people sliding down the slippery ice cream streets, 

People putting pure white sunscreen on people's backs

That's what I see

Outside my window.

By Brian and Justin

Outside my window

I notice the dark gray clouds

The hail is smacking against the freezing grass

The hard, wet ground is shivering in the wintery landscape.

The ocean shivers with the freezing ice. 

The chilly wind swishes onto trees, sending their leaves flying.

Streetlights flicker...

Outside my window.

By Akash & Sophie

Outside my window

I hear the birds singing through my ears.

I see the beautiful flowers blooming in the burning grass.

I can see the flat countryside over the mountain.

The school is empty.

Everyone is swimming in the ocean, 

Feeling crabs pinching their feet. 

Now I will go outside and play with my friends.

Outside my window.

By Catherine & Emily