Class Description
***This class will be hosted remotely! You'll receive an email from your instructor about 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin with a Zoom link. There is no need to download or sign up for Zoom in advance!***
-------
Class Description:
Why does poetry matter? How can it save us? And how are the tools of poetry applicable to all writing genres? Let me count the ways… In this workshop we will write poetry to reveal truths and secrets; we will write fears and longing; and we will inspire imagination and joy. “Poetry is the piano of literature,” YA author Jason Reynolds says. “If you can play the piano then you understand how to play anything.” In this session, we will read poems to learn why they move us, looking at form, meter, sound, rhythm and rhyme, line breaks, visual and emotional impact, and we will complete writing prompts independently and as a group to share. Some of the poets we’ll read include Mary Oliver, Ocean Vuong, Tupac, Sherman Alexie, Jason Reynolds, Nikki Giovanni, Robert Lowell, Langston Hughes, Emily Dickinson, e.e. cummings, and any poems that students bring to our workshop. This workshop is for students who wish to develop their skills and art with an eye to becoming practicing poets, in addition to writers who want to get in on the magic of poetry and apply new skills to their own work. We will establish a working community where we offer constructive criticism in a supportive environment. Please bring a tablet, laptop or journal for writing. For writers age 13 - 18 ONLY.
Takeaway:
Students will learn the basics of the poetic craft and leave with 3 poems from haikus to parts of a novel in verse, and a better understanding of why poetry matters.
Zoom Accessability:
Our NEW Class Format--Sustainable Creativity:
Based on student suggestions and to offer writers a sustainable learning experience, YAWP Saturdays provide a balance of craft sessions and exercises with plenty of optional components so that teens can take screen breaks as needed. Each session will feature a craft talk or group exercise with your designated instructor and conclude with an optional opening mic event. Students are encouraged to self-advocate, opting out if they are fatigued or diving in if they want more creative activity. Either way, instructors will always be available to answer questions via email and/or Zoom chat!
Registration Instructions:
- If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online. You only need to fill this form out ONE TIME, NOT for every class. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you! If you do not complete this form, your registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply.
- If the student is 18, simply let us know by emailing [email protected].
- If you are registering on behalf of a student, add their email in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen at check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet.
- Please register with your preferred name :)
-------
***If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to writing with you this winter!***
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!
Zoom Participation:
Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!