This week we got to read of my favorite poems to use with students. The Quiet Machine by Ada Limon works so well with students of all ages, and it gives them a really great framework to be able to talk about emotions, something that can be hard to write about because of the vulnerability it requires.
For our after school poetry club, we read Jose Olivarez’s “Another Poem About Cal City”. We talked about the importance of friendships in our lives, and how sometimes they don’t always last. Our class and club is small but mighty, and I’ve been enjoying reading what students are creating. Enjoy!
For our after school poetry club, we read Jose Olivarez’s “Another Poem About Cal City”. We talked about the importance of friendships in our lives, and how sometimes they don’t always last. Our class and club is small but mighty, and I’ve been enjoying reading what students are creating. Enjoy!
English Class- Emotion Machines
Calma
Ian H.
He aprendido muchas formas de estar en calma. Asi como me paro en el bosque, y siento calma. Tambien en el silencio de la noche serrando los ojos y estirando los brasos para flortar y veber las estrellas. La calma de mi habitacion donde respiro momentos de felicidad. La calma de un baño caliente que libera el estres del dia. La calma de estar en los brasos de los seres amados por mi en un abraso calido. Asi es mi calma.
Translation
I have learned many ways to be calm. Like when I stand in the forest and feel calm. Also in the silence of the night, closing my eyes and stretching my arms to float and drink the stars. The calm of my room where I breathe moments of happiness. The calm of a hot bath, that releases the stress of the day. The calm of being in the arms of my most loved ones, in a warm embrace. This is my calm.
After School- Friendships
I Will Never Forget
Mary F
We played and talked all day long.
Whether it was classtime or recess
I still remember our non-stop laughs
echoing in and out of our 5th grade
class into the hallway.
Or when we’d go to the park and
mess around and climb trees
Or the time I got suspended for
fighting a girl who was picking on her
And the times they’d call me everyday
when I was hospitalized or in rehab.
We still look back at it, 6+ years
later and recall the same events like
it was yesterday.
All these memories good or bad I’ll
always cherish with them.
A memorable and special bond
I can’t and will never forget.
