TEEN Summer: Poetry for Mental Wellbeing (REMOTE)

This class will be hosted remotely! You will be able to participate in class via Zoom videoconference from wherever you’re most comfortable. All you’ll need is a laptop or a phone! 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 via Zoom–no need to download anything or sign up for Zoom in advance!

*Note: Parents/guardians must complete this permission form online if your teen is under 18.* Unlike previous forms, you only need to fill this 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 the form, registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply. If the student is 18, simply let us know at [email protected]

Class Description:

In this course, students will be armed with the tools necessary to navigate new and existing mental health hurdles by way of creative expression. They will be given a crash course in mental health management and mindfulness in order to build a strong foundation for healing. Poetry has always been an important tool in improving one's mental health. Students will be given the space and safety of this virtual classroom to excavate their most difficult personal challenges and build community amongst each other as we all share, support, and grow. It will be taught from a Black feminist perspective, and provide resources for continued growth far beyond attendance to this course. For writers age 13 - 18 ONLY.

Takeaways:

By the end of this course, you will have an edited poetry portfolio as well a compilation of online resources for continuing to fine tune your craft.

Note About Our NEW Class Format:

Based on your suggestions, GrubStreet put together a weeklong class that provides a balance of creative writing craft sessions and exercises with plenty of optional components so that teens can take screen breaks if they need them. Each morning session will feature a craft talk or group exercise in your “home” class group with your designated instructor. On Monday and Wednesday afternoons, you’ll have optional class meetings that could consist of: 

• Silent group writing with music and available Q&A chat with the writing instructor.
• Book club/silent reading party and optional chat (if the class wants to read the same book, it will be provided to all students via ebook at the student’s registered email address)
• Guest instructor session on varying topics
• Group movie viewing followed by a class Q&A about craft techniques reflected in the movie
• Virtual field trips to museums and other virtual venues.
• Online writing game(s)
• Open Mic/sharing
• Anything else students request!

On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, programming will consist of various YAWP instructors taking turns leading an ALL YAWP group session on certain topics related to writing and artistic life. Sessions might include any of the above listed items or craft topics like submitting work for publication or running a strong writing group, etc. Every Friday afternoon we’ll feature an optional open mic and milestone celebration to cheer our accomplishments. This means that every YAWPer taking a class in a given week will have three chances to come together as a large group and learn from instructors and students beyond their own classroom.

Afternoons are optional and lowkey, so you can opt-out if you are fatigued or dive in if you want more shared creative activity. It’s up to you! Either way, instructors will always be available to answer questions via email and/or Zoom chat.

Who Should Register?
For writers ages 13 - 18 ONLY. 

Remember, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online if your teen is under 18.* Unlike previous forms, you only need to fill this 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 are registering on behalf of your teen, add their email information in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen before you check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet. 
(After adding the class to your cart, click "Checkout" and click “Add” next to “For a Friend or Child?” on the right-hand side to fill in their email. This is an easy way of linking the class to your child and encourages them to create their own account.)