Young Adult Writers Program (YAWP): Hey Look, a Poem! A Day of Found Forms

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!***

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Class Description:

Have you ever wanted to write a poem but not known where to start? Has writer’s block ever prevented you from generating new pieces? What if, in these moments, you could turn to your Twitter feed, your favorite novel, or a newspaper clipping to create a poem? What if the words didn’t always have to come from you?

In this class, we’ll explore found poetic forms, meaning forms of poetry that come from an external source. We’ll play with centos, blackout and erasure poems, collage poems, and more, and learn how we can assemble language in new ways to create works that really surprise us. We’ll create poems we never could’ve dreamt up on our own and talk about how the source material we pick can have provocative meaning. Can a blackout poem based on a political speech be a form of activism? Can a poem collaged from your family’s group text thread provide an intimate look into your culture? We’ll look at works by poets who play with found forms, such as Jennifer S. Cheng, Kate Baer, Austin Kleon, and Eloisa Amezcua. For students aged 13-18 ONLY!

Takeaway:

You’ll leave class with lots of new poem drafts, inspiration for future found work, and maybe even some finished pieces!

Our NEW Class Format--Sustainable Creativity:

Based on student suggestions and to offer writers a sustainable learning experience, this Fall's 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.

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***If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to writing with you this fall!***