The ELA teachers of Lakenheath Middle School put together a Poetry Slam to showcase their 6th-grade students as well as what they covered as part of the curriculum. (Westlight (Adobe Stock))
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As classes prepared to wind down and the summer season began in earnest, the ELA teachers of Lakenheath Middle School put together a Poetry Slam to showcase their 6th-grade students as well as what they covered as part of the curriculum. This introductory unit revolved around poetry of place and how poets use their devices. This was the students’ first experience with the medium.
This introductory unit revolved around poetry of place and how poets use their devices. This was the students’ first experience with the medium. (Rido (Adobe Stock))
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As each poet presented their piece, I noticed a throughline: belonging. Whether it be in a group of friends, family or even within themselves. This struck a cord with me after supporting the schools during Month of the Military Child and witnessing how each of these children have persevered in such unpredictable conditions.
Several of the poems also revolved around environmentalism, and how their emotions could be compared to the wind, clouds of grey or even a cucumber in the dirt, reaching towards the sun. Each poem was a small insight into their day-to-day struggles of being a military child, living across the world from family or even just being a middle schooler. Poetry seemed to be the perfect medium for these kids to air their grievances, relay their stressors and hint at how they see themselves.
Several of the poems also revolved around environmentalism, and how their emotions could be compared to the wind, clouds of grey or even a cucumber in the dirt, reaching towards the sun. (Africa Studio (Adobe Stock))
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The top poems were decided by a score sheet that was completed by three judges (one of whom was me) and covered their use of poetic devices, presentation, subject matter and more. While the original plan was for a Top 3, two poems had actually tied for third place leading to a fourth winner. The ELA teachers and their students did an amazing job showcasing their talents, creativity and the fortitude it takes to be a child far from home.
