GCHS Writers Week

I'm happy to announce that I'll be kicking off my de rigeur National Poetry Month appearances by presenting during the second annual GCHS Writers Week!

Grayslake Central High School's Writers Week is an annual week-long celebration of the work of authors, journalists, poets, songwriters, broadcasters, and screenwriters. Each year, professional writers of all kinds are invited to speak and/or perform alongside students and faculty in the GCHS theater.

Check out the nifty promo video, like them on Facebook, and/or follow on Twitter and Instagram!

Hands on Stanzas: Week 9

Last week, we had our penultimate 2nd grade classes at Skinner West, and I also began the second half of my residency, starting in three 4th grade rooms. (More on that later.)

This time we read and discussed nine of Robert Hass' translations of haiku by Kobayashi Issa. The students seemed to really enjoy this form, which was new to most of them, and came up with a litany of incredible haiku of their own.

Read all about it here, including examples of their exemplary work.

Hands on Stanzas: Week 8

Color was the focus this week for Hands on Stanzas. The 2nd graders at Skinner West read and discussed Marge Piercy's "Colors passing through us," then wrote their own color-themed poems. Amazing!

Hands on Stanzas: Week 7

Hard to believe we're winding down with the 2nd graders at Skinner West!

This week, we read and discussed Natasha Trethewey's lovely "Theories of Time and Space," and the students then wrote their own poems about memories. There were many amazing pieces this week...

Take a gander, and hope you enjoy.

Hands on Stanzas: Week 6

Last week the 2nd graders read and discussed Edip Cansever's poem, "Table," then wrote about things they see every day around their homes.

Check it out!