Grady's 2nd Annual Poetry Cafe

Funded Mar 24, 2011

Our students just concluded a month long study of various types of poetry. We were able to make it through 10 different kinds of written poetry. Each one offered a different mindset and tone. The 1st one published was the "I AM" which asked the students to reflect on themselves to write it. For some it evoked laughter, sadness, and a few other emotions. In the end they turned out to be very powerful. There were limericks to write which allowed for smiles and laughter. A color poem was done to allow students to look at why a certain color is a favorite. All in all I do believe the students enjoyed the time spent to write these 10 different poems. The impact will be felt as they move through their school years because they will have learned that poetry is just another way to express thoughts, feelings, or emotions. After all the poems were written, it was time to publish where they clean-copied them into individual anthologies. Along with publishing them they were also encouraged to illustrate them as well. In the end each student had a keepsake of the time spent on poetry.

As for the Poetry Cafe, it was an experience enjoyed by all the students. They had the opportunity to listen to three different speakers who each had a unique way of expressing his/her own poetry. All provided a powerful message which was heard by all the students. During our event all 60 students had the chance to present his/her favorite poem from his/her anthology. Each student was well spoken and did a wonderful job. This proved to be the moment to show that anyone could be a published poet.

Thanks again for the support which allowed for this to happen for our 4th graders. It is my hope that it was an experience they will always remember.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Ritter