Death of a Naturalist

Overview

Discover the sights, sounds and surprises of the natural world through one of Seamus Heaney’s best-loved poems, Death of a Naturalist.

In this interactive Key Stage 3 workshop, students will explore how Heaney uses words to paint vivid pictures and bring nature to life. Through fun activities and group discussion, they will investigate the poem’s changing mood, think about how nature is presented, and use their own senses to uncover the powerful imagery hidden within the poem.

Students will also explore the idea of nature fighting back and discuss why this message is still important today, encouraging them to think about our relationship with the environment in a creative and thought-provoking way.

Inspired by Heaney’s writing, students will then create their own original piece of descriptive writing, using nature as their setting and experimenting with imagery and language to capture its beauty, mystery and power.

This workshop will enable students to:

• Explore and enjoy poetry through discussion and creative activities.
• Develop understanding of how writers use descriptive language and imagery to create mood and atmosphere.
• Build confidence in sharing ideas, working together and responding to literature.
• Plan and write their own imaginative pieces.
• Reflect on the natural world and our relationship with the environment.

By the end of the workshop, students will have explored Death of a Naturalist in an engaging and creative way, gained confidence in analysing poetry, and produced a piece of imaginative writing inspired by Seamus Heaney’s celebration of nature.