POETRY AND ART (grades 3-12)

In this multimedia workshop students produce a book through interaction of the formats of language, poetry and art (drawing, watercolor, printmaking and/or collage). Each student learns to express feelings through words and images that are uniquely his own. The teacher introduces a cultural variety of poetry to inspire the writing effort. Then, the creative process begins with the student telling the story, either by illustration or creating a poem. The student is guided in creating the free verse poem by experimenting with syntax, rhythm and repetition to enhance the musical quality of the work. Sometimes it is the poem that comes first. Other times, it is the illustration – which becomes the basis of a printing plate. When both are completed, the student puts together a book with the finished text and image. This process can be repeated several times to create an individual or a class book.