The Poetry Connection is an exciting, participatory, multi-cultural initiative designed by Community Works to support standards-based English language arts teaching and learning through an in depth study of the poetry genre, creation of poetry, and oral presentation of outstanding poetry written by students and renowned poets from a wide variety of current and past cultures.

School staff members are trained by literacy and theater artist to engage pupils in a wide and encompassing range of activities that include, but are certainly not limited to:

Examination of poetry that expresses the essence of past and present societies

Using poetry as a means of self –expression

Understanding poetry as a vehicle to express observations of the word

Study of poetry formats including a consideration of the spoken word, rhyme and rhythm (e.g. rap music), etc.

Creating poetry

Understanding the mechanics of creating poetry

In-school and community oral poetry presentation

Creation of poetry anthologies

The Poetry Connection promotes standards-bearing work related to the following components of the English language arts standards: E5b- produce work in at least one genre that follows the conventions of the genre; E3c-prepare and deliver an individual presentation; and E5a-respond to poetry… using interpretative and critical processes.

The Poetry Connection also supports the attainment of New York State Arts Standards and is congruent with the goals and objectives of Project Read and Project Arts.