Singing the Blues
with the Chicago Poetry Center!
With the dark, chilly days of winter upon us, it’s only natural to feel a little blue. During a recent lesson at Avondale-Logandale Elementary, Poet in Residence Leslie Reese introduced Blues poetry to 5th graders with a fun activity. After delighting students with a performance by Pretty Bones Jefferson (Leslie’s Blues alter ego), she gave them a “Blues name generator” to help them discover their own Blues names.
Following Leslie’s lead, students transformed into their own Blues alter egos with names like Sleepy Foot Jones. One student wrote a poem about missing her friend who transferred to a different school. Another student wrote his rhymed lament about a late family pet. Finding a way to express ourselves is as important at five-years-old as it is at fifty-five-years-old. Through her lessons, Ms. Leslie has created a safe and supportive environment where students can share their joys, sorrows, and everything in between.
During a particularly complex holiday season that may have some extra doses of blues and happiness, the Chicago Poetry Center wishes you all a happy and healthy new year. Below you’ll find “How to Make a Friend,” a love poem from home by a student named Lacey. We’ve also included our collaborative poem and links to recent student work as a gift of poetry to close out the year.
New Poetry on the Student Poems Blog
Support Residencies, Support Students
entitled “How to Make a Friend.”
A Farewell to 2020
We look forward to sharing even more about our programs in 2021.
Have a joyful and safe holiday season!
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency. Additional support from the City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
NEWSLETTER VERSION HERE.
