About Hands on Stanzas

Hands on Stanzas, the educational outreach program of the Poetry Center of Chicago places professional, teaching Poets in residence at Chicago Public Schools across the city. Poets teach the reading, discussion, and writing of poetry to 3 classes over the course of 20 classroom visits, typically from October through April. Students improve their reading, writing, and public speaking skills, and participating teachers report improved motivation and academic confidence. You can contact Cassie Sparkman, Director of the Hands on Stanzas program, by phone: 312.629.1665 or by email: csparkman(at)poetrycenter.org for more information.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Last Day of Classes

Today was my last day of classes at Shields for the 2007-2008 school year. I want to thank the teachers and students who made it such an enjoyable experience!



Ms. Hughesdon, Room 407



Ms. Michel, Room 403

Ms. Fielkowski, Room 402


Ms. Montoya, Room 405


Ms. Graefen, Room 404


Mr. Heredia, Room 414

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Last day!

For my last class of the year (!) at Shields, I decided to review some of the forms and poems from the course of the year. From those that we reviewed, I let students choose their favorite form and try writing another poem in that form, and since I wouldn't be coming back, I allowed students to keep their work for this day. So, instead of poems, I have pictures to document the work we did today!

It's hard to believe the year has come to an end, but there will be much, much more amazing poetry at Shields next year!!