All posts in Leslie Reese

“A poem, folded small”

Last week at Swift, we talked about gifts. Students discussed gifts they have received, such as video games, baby dolls, pets, family, and being in the world. And then talked about gifts they would […]

Touching Our Senses

Last week, during our third sessions, Shoesmith 4th graders continued to massage their senses and reflections to write poems about colors and memories. Enjoy a sampling, here: Ms. Lehner4th Grade – Group 1 Steven […]

5th Grade Seasons & Senses

For our 2nd sessions, Twain 5th graders talked about smells, tastes, sounds, and textures. We also made lists of words we could substitute for the word “happy” in our poems. Before brainstorming, we read […]

What do you love?

For our second sessions, Dubois students loved having more time to share their “I Am” poems. Sometimes it just feels great to read aloud what you have written with your own creativity! We also […]

Rainbows and Crayons, Part Two

I was so inspired by Swift students who put so much effort into using their senses to write and re-write their color poems this week! Bravo! Ms. Urquiza2nd Grade Yellow Isby Ethan R. Yellow […]

Sensory Poems

Today, 4th grade students tapped into their senses. We read a poem written by Noah – 6th grader – called “The Memories of South Troop,” and noticed how the poet described details of their […]

Twain 5th Graders Ask: What makes a poet a poet?

Last semester I had the pleasure of working with 3rd grade students at Twain, and this Wednesday I returned to begin a residency with 5th graders. It was an inspiring day. Between the four […]

Dubois Students Warm Up for Poetry

This Tuesday, I met with some third, fourth and fifth grade students at Dubois Elementary School for the first time. Their ideas and energy were infectious! Some students made an impression on me when […]

Rainbows and Crayons, Part One

For our 12 sessions each class engaged poetry uniquely. I brought in books of poems and Swift students and teachers took turns reading aloud in both English and Spanish. In one classroom students danced […]

Shoesmith 4th graders 2024: Let us Introduce Ourselves

The 1st session in my 4th year of being invited to engage Shoesmith 4th graders in poetry was 🔥! It included sweet reunions with staff, teachers, and former students at the front desk, in […]

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I’M FROM THE CITY LIGHTS / STREAMING OUT IN THE NIGHT / AND HUGE SKYSCRAPERS / TOWERING OVER THE LAKE – MELISSA E., 7TH GRADE POET