Poetry Anthologies at the end of my Writing About Literature class blow me away every semester.
This is not a post about me as a teacher. I am humbled by a job that feels like it never reaches my ideals, but I am learning most moments by showing up. I do do that. I show up. And many show up with me. And then we see what happens.
When we get to the last unit of the class – I get to share the stuff I love. The assignment (borrowed from my colleague who is so generous as to share his good ideas) to create their own poetry anthologies allows the students to embrace what speaks to them – and express sides of themselves often tucked away. Not a one disappoints! No project has ever come in that did not tickle my soul in some way. I’ll shut up and just post an assortment from this semester.
My photography does not do them justice. From hand-sewn, to hand -painted, to painstakingly handwritten in fountain pen – even the most asleep students seem to come to life when asked to express themselves.
The Silence anthology was printed on to cloth; the poems were arranged from the most words to the least – so that the pages made no sound when being turned and the words tapered off into… silence.
Sometimes the students are apologetic when they present their works in front of the class for they cannot see their own unique beauty. They do not know how wonderful their creations are.
If you find yourself stuck in a rut without any creative juices – I’ve found a source for you – don’t know their prices, though… 🙂
Life as Improv 
This makes my heart sing. What wonderful children (or is it YA) you teach. With this lot coming up there’s hope for us all yet.
YA’s 🙂 And they do give me much hope! Thank you, Allison!
The world needs them 🙂
Yes – here’s to not shutting down!
Great post, great students, great vid!
Thank you, Bert, my fellow teacher! The break between the semesters gives me a chance to catch my breath and recognize what all transpired! Hope you are back to full strength.
Oh, YEAH! There’s hope for us all when students rise up to this task in such an extraordinary way. You must be a wonderful teacher!
Blessed to get this exposure to a group I wouldn’t know otherwise – probably. Hope you are enjoying your corner and your unique group (equine souls) that I don’t get exposure to…
Great share my friend! I always had the feeling that you were a quintessential teacher and to get a peek at your gift and there’s in return is a true pleasure.
caiMbeul – your kinds words flow in a magical loop of sharing- a loop which offers raw, organic peeks behind the veil from all of our connecting worlds! grateful heart for the validation of these connections through you, M!
Oh Marga — what a wonderful post! What a gift you give your students in supporting them to express themselves and what gifts you receive back from those expressions! Thank you for all you do to expand creativity and freedom of expression. Blessings, Alia
Alia,
Thank you so much for your lovely encouragement! I love how we all give each other the support to express ourselves: students, teachers, friends, blogmates, all flowing on a new and organically developing current…wheeeee. X! marga
How wonderful to be able to help the young ones express themselves! What a world when all their creativity is allowed to come out full-fledged! I was a school teacher for some years and I appreciate all the energy from your side that goes into something like this project – swell done! Kudos! tomas ☼
What a wonderful post! Kudos~
Thank you, Cindy. So Lovely to see you!