Teen Summer: Poetry to Save Your Life (And Improve Your Writing)

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. Students will leave with at least 5 poems, and the confidence and skills to keep writing a collection of poems or a novel in verse. We will build a community of writers who are supportive and constructive as we workshop our poems. At the end of our week, we will celebrate with a poetry reading. For writers of all experience levels, age 13 - 18 ONLY.

Sustainability and Community:

Based on student suggestions and to offer writers a sustainable learning experience, this YAWP weeklong provides a balance of craft sessions and exercises with plenty of optional components so that teens can take screen breaks as needed.

Each morning session will feature a craft talk or group exercise with your designated instructor, and in the afternoon you’ll have optional and lowkey meetings that could consist of:

• Q&A chat with your writing instructor
• Group writing with music
• Reading party
• Movie viewing followed by a chat about craft
• Writing games
• Open mic/sharing

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:

• Register for the class by clicking the red "ADD TO CART" button and following the checkout instructions through our website. If you do not have an account, you will be able to make one easily. When making the account, please use your preferred name.
• 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.
• If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this Teen Participation Permission Form. You only need to fill this form out one time, not for every class. Please complete it with the student's preferred name. 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].

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If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re excited to write with you this summer!