Poetry and the Smartboard

Last week I began an intensive series workshop with 18 switched-on students. I've called it The River of Life and with the genius of the Smartboard, was able to take the group as far as Iguazu Falls for poetry writing;  as well as letting them be inspired by Smetana's rousing and beautiful river music, The Moldeau. I'm new to the magic of the Smartboard and have to say it must be inspiring for teachers to have this technology at their fingertips. But of course students did come to grips with pen and paper eentually; and this week we explore the five senses out of doors in the real world in the park.  But I'm inspired for our next session indoors!

Poetry Writing & a Poet Extraordinaire

MURIEL RUKEYSER (1913-1980)

Last week I attended the Powerhouse Discovery Centre to discuss several exciting ideas for poetry writing with young people - more on this later..

This week more poetry as I begin a journey with 18 primary school students on my poetry program VIVID: The River of Life.

On a personal note, I'm reading the stunning work of Muriel Rukeyser (1913-1980). She is an American Poet whose Collected Poems and I chanced upon in Berkelouws Books in Glebe and what a gift it is!

 Tell Myself 

Trust in experience. And, in the rhythms,  the deep rhythms of your experience. 

(from Overthrow of One O'clock at Night - Muriel Rukeyser)