FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Elizabeth M Sampson
beth@poetrycenter.org
Chicago Poetry Center Creative Literacy Residencies Pivot
to At Home Learning for Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL – May 18, 2020 – Pivoting with Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Poetry Center (CPC) creative literacy residencies have fully transitioned to accommodate both digital and non-digital learning, bringing creative literacy to Chicago students in their homes, via curriculum that engages students and allows self-expression.
Teaching artists transitioned CPC’s extensive curriculum, recording video lessons for students who have access to digital learning, and preparing packets for students participating in non-digital remote learning. Poets began working with students within one week of CPS transitioning from classroom to virtual learning. Student work posts on CPC’s website and social media Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
“CPC poets are resident teaching artists in school classrooms, and our ability and commitment to translate our poetry education program content into both an online format, and also packets, means that students have tools and prompts they can use at home, to continue learning and writing,” said Executive Director, Elizabeth Metzger Sampson. “This work allows students to express themselves at an extraordinary moment in their lives.”
Beginning April 20th, CPC’s curriculum became available to 23 classrooms in eight Chicago Public Schools. Typically, in semester and year-long residencies, local poets work with students in CPS classrooms to improve literacy and explore creative outlets. Revamped programming puts an emphasis on asynchronous learning so students can engage with the curriculum when it is ideal for them and their families. CPS schools with virtual CPC residencies include: Avondale-Logandale Elementary, Beulah Shoesmith Elementary School, George B. Swift Specialty School, Mary Gage Peterson Elementary,
Miles Davis Magnet Academy, W.E.B. Du Bois Elementary School, George Washington High School, William Howard Taft High School.
View photos from virtual programming, links to student poems written at home, and virtual lesson video, via our programs newsletter.
The Chicago Poetry Center promotes poetry in Chicago-area communities, strengthens literacy and fosters creativity through poetry, and supports the careers of poets. For more information on Chicago Poetry Center programs contact Elizabeth Metzger Sampson.
#
