Student Activities for A Bird Came Down the Walk
![A Bird Came Down the Walk by Emily Dickinson - Vocabulary](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/968369/src-sets/cell-col-0-row-0-w400.png "Visual Vocabulary in "A Bird Came Down the Walk"")
![A Bird Came Down the Walk by Emily Dickinson - Structural Elements](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/968355/cell-col-0-row-0-w400.png "Structural Elements of "A Bird Came Down the Walk"")
Essential Question for “A Bird Came Down the Walk”
- What can a human gain from watching animals in nature?
A Bird Came Down the Walk Overview
The poem begins with the narrator noticing a bird coming down the sidewalk. The bird cuts a worm in two pieces and eats it. The bird then drinks water from the dew on the grass and casually moves out of the way of an oncoming beetle. The bird then becomes frightened; its eyes and head move rapidly. The narrator cautiously offers the bird a crumb, but the bird just opens his wings and, more graceful than a boat moving through water or a butterfly flying through the air, the bird flies away.
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How Tos about A Bird Came Down the Walk by Emily Dickinson
Engage students with a nature observation poetry walk
Inspire curiosity by leading students on a walk outside to observe birds and other wildlife. Encourage them to quietly notice details, movements, and interactions in nature—just as Emily Dickinson did in her poem.
Guide students to jot down vivid details in a notebook
Ask students to record what they see, hear, and feel during the walk. Suggest they note specific actions, colors, and emotions to help spark descriptive language for their own writing.
Help students brainstorm poetic phrases from their observations
Facilitate a quick group brainstorm where students share words and phrases from their notes. Highlight unique sensory details and encourage creative comparisons that could be used in poetry.
Support students as they draft their own nature-inspired poems
Guide students to choose one moment or animal from their notes and write a short poem about it. Remind them to use vivid imagery and personal perspective, just like Dickinson in “A Bird Came Down the Walk.”
Invite students to share and reflect on their poems
Create a safe space for students to read their poems aloud or display them in the classroom. Encourage respectful listening and positive feedback to build confidence and celebrate creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Bird Came Down the Walk by Emily Dickinson
What is the poem 'A Bird Came Down the Walk' by Emily Dickinson about?
“A Bird Came Down the Walk” describes an encounter between the narrator and a bird, highlighting the bird’s actions and the delicate connection between nature and humans.
How can teachers introduce 'A Bird Came Down the Walk' to elementary students?
Teachers can begin by reading the poem aloud, discussing the bird's behavior, and encouraging students to share observations about animals in nature for a relatable entry point.
What are some quick lesson plan ideas for 'A Bird Came Down the Walk'?
Use activities like poem illustration, acting out the bird’s actions, or comparing the poem’s imagery to real-life animal behavior to engage students quickly and easily.
Why is observing animals in nature important in literature lessons?
Observing animals helps students connect literature to real-world experiences, fostering empathy, curiosity, and deeper understanding of themes in poetry.
What themes are explored in 'A Bird Came Down the Walk'?
This poem explores themes such as the beauty of nature, the relationship between humans and animals, and the subtle differences between wildness and gentleness.
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