“This is class is not demure”

This past Monday and Tuesday marked the beginning of a new partnership with Howe School of Excellence’s after-school program. The group is made up of boys ranging in age from 2nd – 7th grade, and for our first two sessions, we focused on getting to know each other and starting to know poetry. We specifically explored all the sensory aspects of home and the creativity of everyday language. Between games of this-or-that and pass, and translation challenges, we started to write. One of my favorite things about poetry and writing is that it’s as much an avenue to express joy as it is frustration or disinterest. One of the poems included is 7th-grader Tyreese’s poem about disliking writing poetry, which he became quite proud of and excited to share during open mic. His work is just as valuable as that of students who felt much more comfortable with and drawn to the pen. Enjoy!