Poetry Party – Middle Spring

    $167.00

    NEW Course! “In this class, we’ll play with words! I’m excited for you to join me to enjoy the language and music of poetry, try out new forms, and get your ideas flowing. Whether you’re new to poetry or not, I hope you’ll be hooked on it by the end of this course!” ~Prof. Lisa

    Enrollment

    Available

    Step 1: Register Your Student

    Step 2: Enroll Your Registered Student

    Confetti falling for the Poetry Party course at Athena's
    InstructorProf. Lisa Billa
    Content LevelsGrades 5-6 • Upper Elementary
    Grades 6-7 • Middle School
    Grades 7-8 • Junior High
    Course Length8 weeks
    Live Webinars Held OnTuesdays, 10:00 - 10:50 AM Pacific - Middle Semester - 3/26/24 - 5/18/24

    When you think of poetry, what words spring to mind? Mystifying? Magical? Confusing? Clever? Intimidating? Interesting? How about FUN? Come join our Poetry Party!

    This course will be an 8-week celebration of new and old poetic forms. In an inviting, collaborative, low-pressure setting, we will play with language, create and share new work, and practice some of the techniques that make poetry pleasing.

    We will explore a diverse sampling of poems in different structures and styles, using these as inspiration for original writing. You can write a sonnet, a tanka, a limerick, and more!

    Students will expand their knowledge and appreciation of poetry, develop the vocabulary to notice and discuss features of the poems we consider, and apply this understanding as they experiment with their own poems. Often, the challenge of writing within a fixed form can encourage the flow of creative ideas! Webinar time will be divided between discussion of published poetry and writing by students.

    This course is appropriate for students who already enjoy writing poetry, and also for those who might like to try but don’t know where to start! Students may work at their own pace, with additional resources for those who would like to dive further into a topic. Students should be willing to share some of their own work in response to writing prompts in webinars and classroom forums, and should be ready to respond to classmates’ work with positive and thoughtful comments.

    Students may register for one or both sessions, since the content of webinars and classrooms will change.

    Note to Parents:

    • This 8-week course can be repeated as often as a student would like.

    • This course is a fast-paced, interactive writing environment. Students with special learning needs may need parental assistance.

    What to expect in the Required section in the classroom each week:

    • The only requirement for this course is to come to webinar weekly and take part in the writing assignments.

    • Students can enhance their experience by reading suggested works outside of class, posting new writing on our forum, and commenting on other students’ work.

    What to expect in the Highly Suggested & Optional sections in the classroom each week:

    • Curated resources, including websites & videos, are provided to excite learners and to add depth to the subject matter.
    • Share writing and art projects.
    • Read student writing published online.

    What to expect during the webinar:

    • Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long. Webinars are recorded and are available for students with schedule conflicts.
    • Active Participation (via the microphone and chat) in online class discussions.
    • This class is discussion based. Only students who are ready to use the microphone in an online class should enroll.

    Before taking this course, students should be able to: 

    • Read at a solid 5th-grade level or above.

    • Type fluently or be equipped with dictation software or a willing adult helper during our webinar.

    • Be willing to share their writing during webinars and in the classroom.

    • Be prepared to contribute in an active, participatory environment.

    Students should be willing to:

    • Be prepared for the webinar.

    • Actively participate (via the microphone and chat) in the class discussion.

    • Verbally participate in webinar discussions – this class is discussion based.

    • Encourage class discussion by adding their questions/ideas in the chat window during the webinar.

    • Produce independent writing.

    • Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.

    Required books & materials:

    • Weekly readings will be online. No books are required.

    • Webinar participation requires that students be able to access more than one browser tab at a time. A computer with a keyboard is highly recommended.