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River of Words

River of Words® (ROW) is an international nature-based science, art and poetry program created to promote watershed awareness, literacy and the arts. Through an annual youth art and poetry contest and educator's tools, River of Words helps young people explore the natural and cultural history of their own communities.

A River of Words (ROW) Educators Workshop provides K-12 educators (classroom teachers and other non-formal educators) with ideas and inspiration for integrating nature exploration and the arts into core subject areas like science and math, social studies, and language arts.

River of Words' "Watershed Explorer" curriculum is designed to build multiple literacies and to help students develop an informed "sense of place." The focus of the ROW educational program is training teachers, park staff, youth leaders and other educators of ways to incorporate nature and the arts into their own work with children. Nature has been the greatest source of inspiration for artists and poets since humans began drawing animals on the walls of caves. The natural world as seen through the eyes of its children is heartening, humbling, fresh, often life-affirming, and sometimes disturbing. Using ROW program materials, participants will learn techniques and tools to interest K-12 children in expressing their view of nature through words and images. This program can culminate in having your students compete in a national poetry contest. To learn more about ROW and the national competition visit – www.riverofwords.org.

Get on board! Participation in ROW:

• Nurtures respect for and understanding of the natural world
• Promotes literacy in all its forms
• Trains teachers how to integrate arts into core curriculum subjects
• Gives youth a forum for expressing their creativity and concerns
• Helps children develop a sense of place
• Builds community partnerships
• Leverages existing resources in support of education
• Facilitates interdisciplinary teaching methods
• Distributes, publishes and displays children’s art & poetry
• Publishes an Educator’s Guide and curriculum support materials

Using the theme of watersheds and structured to encourage and support community partnerships, the program is designed to nurture respect and understanding of the natural world by encouraging children to learn their "ecological address" and to describe through poetry and art their own "place in space."

The Institute serves as the coordinator of ROW programs in Pennsylvania.

We are currently working on developing a Pennsylvania ROW Art and Poetry Contest, and other special events.

ROW Educator Workshops are available to organized groups upon request. Watershed Explorer Activity Guide is offered as part of this workshop or for purchase. You do not have to attend a workshop to purchase the activity guide.