Spring Poetry Workshop #1: Nature Poetry

a gentle approach to reading and writing poetry

Welcome to The Unique Writer's first Spring Poetry Workshop! Poetry is a wonderful way to express emotions, ideas, observations, and imagination. Emerging writers benefit from reading, studying, and writing poetry because poets focus on descriptive keywords without the grammatical constraints of prose. This vocabulary-driven approach encourages learners to become better writers in all writing disciplines.

In this workshop we will:

  • Develop vocabulary through nature-inspired classical music
  • Observe word relationships in sound devices
  • Practice a simple poetic form
  • Discuss the similarities between poetry and music
  • Read and study classic nature poems
  • Write our own nature poems
  • Share our poems with family, friends, and The Unique Writer community (optional)

Please allow 2.5 - 3 hours to complete this workshop. Learners who prefer shorter sessions may choose to work over several days. The curriculum is composed of videos and downloadable activity sheets. Lesson videos vary in length, but with the guided activities for each section, students will spend approximately 20 - 30 minutes on each one. Scroll down to see the complete Course Curriculum schedule.

This workshop is especially designed for learners ages 9-14.

Younger students may require some guidance from a parent, teacher, or poetry partner. Older students will be able to complete the activities independently depending on ability and confidence levels. Older teens (15+) may also benefit from this workshop if their previous exposure to poetry has been limited. I hope that the flexibility of the workshop format will be an enjoyable, meaningful learning activity for your family. Happy writing!


Your Instructor


Julia Raudenbush
Julia Raudenbush

Welcome! My name is Julia. My students call me Mrs. Raudenbush, or Mrs. R for short. I am the writing instructor, coach, and chief encourager at The Unique Writer.

I teach writing and literature courses for homeschoolers both individually and in small groups. For the past 20 years we have gathered in homes, around the table, like good friends working together to build individual and community skills. As busy schedules require more flexibility than ever, I am offering my courses and workshops online. Many parents are daunted by the task of teaching and correcting their children's writing. This is where The Unique Writer comes in.

I'll do the teaching. You facilitate the process. Or do the laundry, teach your other children, make dinner, and sip that coffee you've been trying to finish since breakfast. Homeschooling is hard work. I'm here to help.

Your child has a voice. Let me help her find it. Reluctant writers, struggling learners, and even writing haters are most welcome. In fact, they're my specialty. Natural writers, confident writers, and prolific writers will also thrive here. We will hone the craft, support the process, and encourage growth. Writing is a life-long process of becoming. I'll be here for a little while to help you along the way.

My creds: State-certified teacher PreK - 8th grade; BA, English literature; psychology minor

Some stuff about me: former 4th grade teacher, contributing writer to the parenting book Cultivating Responsibility: Parenting Wisdom for Ages 9-12, homeschool workshop presenter, curriculum consultant, sometimes-blogger, children's and youth ministry leader, encourager of weary parents, mom of 4, wife of 1, wandering hiker, meandering kayaker, karate green belt. Ki-yah!





Course Curriculum


  Poetry Workshop #1: Nature Poetry
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
This is a completely self-paced online course. Once you enroll, you decide when to start and when to finish. I recommend that families complete the Spring Poetry Workshops in the spring. (Hence the name!) Spring is a great time to take a break from rigorous academic writing requirements while still participating in meaningful learning activities. Late-May through late-June is a good calendar framework for workshop completion.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own. I recommend spring as a good point in your academic year to complete these workshops. Other time periods may work better for your unique family, such as a summer or winter break. The beauty of the workshop format is that it is up to you!
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 14 days and we will give you a full refund.

I hope that you will join me in this creative approach to becoming better writers. Happy writing!

Get started now!