Poetry Workshop

Photos and Text by Albizael Del Valle

As part of the Family Support Center vacation program we planned a series of classes emphasizing creative expressions. Poetry was the first artistic form we wanted to pursue. The class began with a conversation about poetry and how it depicts reality in ways that can touch the human soul. 

Students were a bit dazed off in the beginning, the idea of writing poetry for an hour seemed quite boring to them. Fortunately, we were able to pull through the drag with several quick and fun exercises. 

Students were given fun prompts while using a deck of cards to determine how many poetic lines they would write. Some of the first prompts included: "El Camion" (or the bus), "the happiest day of your life was when...", "the most challenging moment in my life" and "how do I feel about myself?" 

Front cover of the practice prompt responses

These smaller prompts got students started as they began to use their imagination, translating their into words. Each prompt was a step closer to the main goal, the final prompt.

The final prompt would also be the final project for the day. This final prompt was to be a letter for their mothers in poetic form. Students were instructed to write one stanza of 8 lines minimum. After writing the poem, students were on a mission to make this letter a beautiful one for their mothers. 

Ingrid helps Brandon decorate

They designed unique letters, some even laminated their poems with plastic paper. The class session had to be extended because students were committed to create an excellent piece of art for their mothers. 

Laminated letters

Some of the students were quite hesitant about poetry lat first but eventually let loose after responding to the first two prompts. The creative spirit was felt throughout the room as all students reached into their imagination for ideas to honor their mothers through this art form. 

The final products were beautiful! The students' faces were shining bright with a sense of accomplishment. 

Students pose with their work

I spoke to some of the students who participated in this activity told me how grateful their mothers were for that gift of love shown through a combination of art forms. 

The project's older groups were also given an opportunity to partake in a poetry workshop. Similarly to the younger crowd, it took a few exercises to warm up their poetic minds. By the end of the workshop they also had beautiful pieces of art as gifts for their mothers.