All posts in MLK Academy

The Republic of Poetry

For the last day of our summer poetry residency, MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students explored the idea of creating a new country. What will this new country look like? What type of […]

The Right To Live

This week MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th students explored what it means to have “rights” Rights are the liberties and freedoms that belong to everyone as human beings.  Together we read and discussed […]

Making History

This week MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th students explored what it means to “make history.”  Together we read and discussed the poem “Making History” by Marilyn Nelson. In the poem the speaker is […]

Finding Courage

This week MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th students explored poetry about courage, standing up to something even though it frightens us. Together we read and discussed the poem “Harriet Tubman” by Eloise Greenfield. […]

When I Rise Up

This week MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th students explored poetry all about “rising up,” against social injustice.  When hearing the phrase “rise up” many images came to students’ minds such as clouds, birds, […]

What’s In My Toolbox?

This week MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th students explored the idea of using “tools” to fix social issues.  Tools are objects that aid us in completing certain tasks, such as building a house […]

How I Persevered

This week MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th students explored poetry about perseverance, overcoming obstacles to reach achievement. Together students read “Harlem Hopscotch,” by Maya Angelou. In her poem Angelou uses the game of […]

Mi Bandera, My Flag

This week MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th students explored the symbolism of flags in our society. Students were shown different images of flags, such as the American flag that stands for pride and […]

Good Advice

This week MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th students explored what it means to give and listen to good advice. Advice is an opinion that is supposed to be helpful and offer guidance. Students […]

One Day It Could Be You

This week MLK Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th students explored the issue of homelessness in our society. Students discussed how natural disasters, illnesses, low wages, and job loss can lead to homelessness. To find […]

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“Writing poetry makes me feel like I can see myself, like I can see my reflection, but not in a mirror, in the world. I write and I know I can be reflected.”
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I’M FROM THE CITY LIGHTS / STREAMING OUT IN THE NIGHT / AND HUGE SKYSCRAPERS / TOWERING OVER THE LAKE – MELISSA E., 7TH GRADE POET