Introduction
This is a creative activity where learners write a simple poem about Easter, or if more appropriate about spring time in general.
Procedure
- As a lead-in to writing a poem and to activate learners' previous knowledge, start with a vocabulary brainstorm and/or an odd one out vocabulary activity.
- Put learners in small groups to brainstorm. Tell them to write down as many words as they can that are connected to Easter. Pool answers as a class, writing up the words on the board.
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To do an Easter version of the odd one out vocabulary activity, dictate or display the following lists of words.
1. Chocolate bunny / Hot cross buns / Turkey / Lamb
2. Lamb / Chick / Bunny / Reindeer
3. Dressing up as something scary / Painting eggs / Hiding and hunting for chocolate / Decorating hats with flowers
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Learners work in pairs to say the odd word out (the word that does not belong). They need to say why. This activity draws on their previous knowledge about Easter traditions in English-speaking countries. If learners have little previous knowledge to draw from, allow them internet access to look for the words.
(Answers: 1 – Turkey is associated with Christmas and/or Thanksgiving. 2 – Reindeer is an animal associated with Christmas. 3- Dressing up as something scary is associated with Halloween)
- Tell learners they will now write an Easter poem. They can choose from an acrostic poem, or use a poem frame.
- To help learners write an acrostic poem, show an example of a poem like this on the board. Elicit some other words that could replace the letters, to help learners to get started.
Easter day
April rain
Spring is here
Too much chocolate
Eating lamb with family
Rabbits all around
- To help learners write an Easter poem using a frame, write the frame on the board. Read it out, line by line, eliciting words for each gap.
The sun is _____, the people are ______ (What are the sun and the people doing?)
The flowers are blooming in ______ (What colours are they?)
Let’s hunt for Easter eggs in _______ (Where in your town?)
Let’s eat ________ this Sunday (What Easter food will you eat?)
I’ll celebrate with _______ (Who will you celebrate with?)
It’s ______. It’s Easter time again! (What month is Easter this year?)
- Put learners in pairs to write their Easter poem. Allow them to choose their type, and if they finish quickly, they can try the other.
- When finished, join pairs and ask them to read their poems to each other.
- You may want to allow learners to decorate their poems with images/colours and display them around the room.
Additional links
Use other easter-themed lessons: