Feedback from Educators
Poetry in the Parks has been an inspiration to myself and to my students. It made teaching poetry very relateable. It tied into a field trip, poetry unit and science. My students were inspired to write poems about nature, what they saw and felt and even tasted. It seemed natural to them to write about what they did outside on a field trip to Morningside. They were eager to draft and make revisions as they worked with the different elements of their poem, but, mostly they were just proud of their masterpieces and loved displaying them in class, sharing them as read alouds and, of course taking them home. They were even recognized at an award ceremony we held just for the grade level and participants and placed as 1,2,3rd or overall. Everyone leaned in to listen as the poetry contestants read their poems on stage. Wonderful program!
Jeanne Sanders
4th grade, 3rd grade Teacher
Alachua Elementary
I just spoke to the 3rd grade teachers who returned from Morningside today and they said this field trip was awesome! The "best they have been on" one teacher said. She was raving about the ELA standards, Social Studies and Science content that you taught, and all the hands-on activities for the kids.
Thank you so much for putting this field trip together! It's so great to have standards-based instruction on a local field trip like this. And thank you for all your help Jayla!
Blakely Porter
Science Teacher and Coach
Idylwild Elementary School
What Is Poetry in the Parks?
Poetry in the Parks is an engaging, nature-based field trip designed for 3rd and 4th grade students. The program helps students develop an appreciation for nature while reinforcing key concepts in reading, math, science, and social studies.
During this field trip, students have the opportunity to make meaningful, hands-on connections to concepts they are learning in the classroom. Volunteers guide students through activities, allowing teachers to participate without the burden of leading every aspect of the experience.
Research consistently demonstrates the educational benefits of outdoor learning. According to Classroom.com:
“Time spent outdoors or near nature has been linked to improved attention spans and reduced task-switching. For students who struggle to sit still, short nature walks or outdoor lessons can help them engage more deeply with learning.”
The Nature Conservancy also highlights the value of nature-based education, noting that outdoor learning fosters teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Students often demonstrate greater cooperation and fewer disruptive behaviors when learning in natural settings.
Classroom.com further reports:
“Natural environments help regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and improve resilience. This can be especially beneficial for at-risk students, helping them stay engaged and less likely to check out.”
Teachers who have participated in Poetry in the Park report positive outcomes for their students. Feedback indicates that students develop a greater interest in poetry and improve their understanding of poetic concepts. Some teachers have even incorporated poetry into their classroom instruction and behavior-management strategies, particularly for students with ADHD aand other learning needs.
Poetry in the Park is a free program sponsored by Friends of Nature Parks and is available to public schools. Rather than taking time away from learning, it enhances the educational experience by providing students with meaningful, standards-based learning opportunities in an engaging outdoor environment.
Sharron Horton
3rd grade Teacher
Idylwild Elementary School
Content Updated 09/2026
