Teacher Feature: Sukhwant Kaur Ghattahode – Where Science Meets Poetry

Every child learns differently. Some through movement, others through music, stories, or poetry. Sukhwant Kaur Ghattahode, a Grade 4/5/6 teacher at École Laura Secord School, understands this deeply and has made it her mission to reach students in ways that reflect their unique learning styles. By blending science with creativity, she has found innovative ways to help students connect with complex ideas.

Her journey as an educator

Sukhwant began her teaching career in India, where she spent 28 years teaching students in Grades 6 to 10 and received a Best Teacher Incentive Award for her commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based science education. A decade ago, she immigrated to Canada, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a strong passion for teaching. While working full time, she completed a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Education and earned her permanent teaching certificate. Through perseverance and deep dedication to student success, she worked her way through various term positions before becoming a permanent teacher in Winnipeg School Division.

The mindset that shapes her classroom

Sukhwant’s teaching philosophy is student-centered and grounded in social-emotional learning. “I integrate STEAM into my subjects, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning,” she says. Whether through songs, role play, skits, or hands-on projects, her classroom is a welcoming and dynamic space for all learners. In her experience, this approach helps students build resilience and navigate life with confidence.

Combining science and poetry

While teaching science, Sukhwant noticed that some students struggled to grasp certain concepts through traditional instruction. In response, she began transforming complex scientific ideas into simple, rhythmic, and memorable formats. One standout moment occurred while she was substituting in a Grade 10 class, where students were challenged to create a model of the human eye. Initially overwhelmed, they quickly became more engaged and confident after she introduced a short poem explaining the eye’s structure. Inspired by the results, she began compiling her educational poems into her book Scioems, a creative fusion of science and poetry.

Scioems is a structured collection of science-based poems, each designed to simplify complex concepts through rhythm and rhyme. Every poem is paired with a creative quest, inviting students to apply their learning through art, experiments, or hands-on activities that deepen understanding and engagement.

Sukhwant’s teaching methods include a variety of resources that accompany her Scioems such as models and interactive activities.

A personal and professional milestone

Getting her book edited and available on Amazon has been a meaningful experience for Sukhwant, both personally and professionally. “Turning a creative classroom strategy into something tangible has been incredibly fulfilling,” she shares.  “In a world where science communication is more important than ever, poetry offers a bridge between logic and language, between curiosity and comprehension. It opens the door for all kinds of learners to feel included, inspired, and empowered.”

Scioems is based on her commitment to differentiated instruction, student engagement, and inclusive learning.

Sukhwant’s work is a powerful reminder that every student deserves to be seen, heard, and inspired; through Scioems and her innovative teaching, she transforms classrooms into spaces of discovery, confidence, and creativity.