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!
Howe After School
2nd – 5th Grade (Monday)
“What I See In Chicago”
by Camren
Where I’m from, I smell flowers and
pizza and eat pizza and alfredo, I hear
birds, bees, I feel the air and the
walls, I see my friends and family,
I hope to live in Downtown
Chicago, to feel the air and environment
down there, to have fun with friends.
“Best Poem”
by Noah
Where I sm from
Chicago I see
dog poop and trains.
I smell air and
garbage. I eat
McDonald’s and KFC.
I hear kids and
fireworks. I
touch doors and books.
I see my mom.
I hope you have
a great day.
Howe After School
2nd – 7th Grade (Tuesday)
“I Get Up in the Morning”
by Tyrell R.
I get up in the morning, brush
my teeth, get ready looking fire.
I go to school, sometimes I don’t
come because I be lying on my heart.
Stop eating food at 9:00 AM.
I go to school on my Madexx. Then we do ELA,
then we do Science, then we looking fly.
“That One Poetry Class”
by Tyreese M.
This class whack
I mean it sucks
This class is not eating
I mean it’s boring
This class is not demure
I mean it’s not fun
I love Call of Duty
it’s a banger
I love Call of Duty
it’s bussin’
I love call of duty
it be eating
