Lesson

Plan Template

Poetry and the Northern Lights Arts Project

Developed by:
Laura Wright
Discipline / Subject:
Reading/Language Arts and Art
Topic: Using figurative language to write a simple poem showing understanding of the
northern lights

Grade Level:
This lesson is for 3rd grade but can be modified for nearly any grade
Resources / References / Materials Teacher Needs:
1. water color paints
2. salt
3. water color paper
4. paper for writing or access to a tablet/computer
5. black permanent marker

Lesson Summary:
Students will learn about what the northern lights are, then write a simple poem about
them. Then, create a salt and watercolor art project for their writing.

Standards Addressed: (Local, State, or National)

1. CCSS ELA-Literacy.RL.3.10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature,
including stories, dramas, and poetry, at the high end of the grades 2-3 text complexity
band independently and proficiently.
2. CCSS ELA-Literacy.L.3.3.a Choose words and phrases for effect.
3. CCSS ELA-Literacy.L.3.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word
relationships and nuances in word meanings.
Learning Objectives:

Assessment:

1. to create a cinquain poem

Did the cinquain follow the rules and

pattern?

2. to learn about the northern lights

Did the student follow the directions for
the salt/water experiment?

Procedural Activities
1.KWL ask students what they know about the northern lights (aurora borealis) fill
in what they know under K on the chart. Ask them what they want to know about the
lights, and fill in under W
2. show the video on science kids about the northern lights
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/earth/northernlights.html
3. Fill in what the students have learned about the lights under the L
4. tell the students they will write a simple cinquain poem about the northern lights.
5. the teacher and class should create one together first, then the students can create
their own, using a template or creating one on paper first.
6. the teacher should read about cinquains first on the web site poetry for kids
http://www.poetry4kids.com/blog/lessons/how-to-write-a-cinquain-poem/
7. when edited, the students should use the black marker and draw a mountain
Alaskan landscape in the background, then write their poem in the sky following
the flow of the lights
8. Then, water color the background to look like northern lights
9. Drop salt crystals on the paper to simulate stars

Materials Students Need:

Internet access
Water color paper, brushes
Salt
Black permanent markers


Technology Utilized to Enhance Learning:
Using the internet, the teacher will show the northern lights video to the class and
discuss what they are using a KWL chart. This can also be done on a student tablets if
available

Other Information:

Modifications for Special Learners/ Enrichment Opportunities:
The format for the poem should be given to students with special needs to fill in the
missing words. They can also be given starter words


Additional Information

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