oshc activities
World Poetry Day / Poetry Chalk Walk

Poetry Chalk Walk

Children write short poems and illustrated lines in chalk along a path, turning the playground into an outdoor poetry trail for families to read at pick-up.

How to run it

  1. Brainstorm short poem ideas together, such as rhyming couplets, acrostics or one-line poems.
  2. Give each child or pair a section of path or concrete.
  3. Have them chalk their poem in big letters with a border or small illustration.
  4. Walk the trail together and read each poem aloud, then invite families to walk it at pick-up.

You will need

  • chalk
  • paper for drafting
  • pencils
Make it easier or harderYounger children write an acrostic of their name; older children write a short poem that continues from one section to the next.
SafetyUse shaded areas on hot days and keep the trail away from car parks and driveways.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 5, Outcome 2Sharing poems in a public space helps children communicate and contribute to their community.

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