TEACHING ARTIST SESSION CATEGORIES
What do you love? And can you express that love in a poem? In this session, students will create a heart map with drawings and words about the things that they love (including sensory loves, rituals, nature, objects, nonhuman companions, etc). Then, their visuals will become words of wonder when they turn their heart maps into a single poem about the things that make their hearts sing.
Yes, you have a favorite color. So let’s do a deep dive into it! We will start with the book Dear Acorn, (Love, Oak) by Joyce Sidman and illustrated in collage art by Melissa Sweet. Then, students will channel that author and illustrator by creating a color collage that incorporates metaphors and writing a letter poem to a bit of the natural world. Let’s celebrate sky, rain, sun, and acorn!
It’s a multi-faceted artistic fusion! Students will listen to a variety of music and feel the mood by “dancing with a paintbrush.” But don’t stop there – each image will become inspiration for writing as well. Students will refine their word choice, incorporate metaphor, and make a masterpiece.
This workshop introduces students to the art of competitive slam poetry, where the point is not the points… It’s the words.
Days 1 & 2: Students will be presented with examples of slam-appropriate performance poems, given prompts, and will work on their own creations. Chances to rehearse or get feedback will be included.
Day 3: It’s slam time! Students will be scored by their teachers or peers based on their performance and poem. Win or lose, the students take the poems, the memories, and the skill with them!
There is a reason erasure poetry is also called “blackout poetry.” Erasure poetry is not about starting from a blank page, but about taking a page or poem that is already created and blacking things out. What does not get erased becomes the new poem. It’s conceptual, it’s creative, and it leaves a visual statement. Students in this workshop will learn about erasure poetry through analyzing examples. Then, they will create their own erasure poem…and visual art in the process.
Spontaneous, unscripted, and supportive – those 3 words describe a freestyle poetry circle. In this session, students participate in such a circle and have a both literary and an SEL experience. Workshop goals: encourage students to control their thoughts, think strategically and accept themselves. Poetic inspiration included? Absolutely!
Sidewalk chalk is a CLASSIC! And decorating sidewalks with chalk is a form of beautification and artistic expression. In this workshop, students celebrate seasonal themes by creating haiku and other short-form poetry. Then, armed with chalk, they will decorate the school’s concrete spaces with words and images.
The Yarn Lab is an entry-level crochet program designed to introduce students to the art of crochet while building focus, patience, and creativity. In this hands-on class, students will learn basic stitches, follow fun projects, and discover how yarn and imagination can turn into tangible creations. Designed for beginners and hands-on types, The Yarn Lab makes learning both engaging and rewarding.
Do yoga in the classroom? Yes, you can! Mindful Moves is a yoga-inspired program designed to help students bring calm, focus, and energy into their school day. Through simple yoga poses, breath work, and gentle stretches, students learn techniques to manage anxiety, boost concentration, and start their mornings feeling awake and energized. All activities are designed to be done right in the classroom, making mindfulness and movement accessible anytime, anywhere.
Get ready for a musical feast and a historical journey! Journey from the vibrant rhythms of jazz to the soulful melodies of blues in this session that delves into the rich cultural heritage that has shaped American music today. Through a listening session and discussion, students will learn about the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in Louisiana and how their experiences have been reflected in the music they created. Groups will examine the influence of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Great Migration on the development of musical genres such as gospel, zydeco, and hip-hop. When it is time to get hands-on, students will also have the opportunity to create their own musical projects inspired by the history and traditions of Louisiana’s African American community.