Alice ’25 helps others develop an appreciation for poetry in an area where poetry lessons are often lacking.
This summer, I embarked on a mission to inspire and teach Chinese youth the art of poetry, a subject that is often underrepresented in Shanghai’s educational landscape. I led many poetry workshops with students, aiming to provide them with a creative outlet that would allow them to explore and express their thoughts and emotions in a supportive environment.
One of the most significant aspects of this project was the opportunity it gave me to learn how to effectively teach and guide students in the craft of poetry. As I led the workshops, I developed strategies to introduce poetry in a way that resonated with each student’s individual experiences and interests. I learned how to break down complex poetic concepts into more digestible parts, ensuring that even those who were initially unfamiliar with poetry could grasp and enjoy the process. I absolutely loved teaching them about my favorite poets including Layli Longsoldier, Martin Espada, and Walt Whitman. A change of plans was that my students could only do online due to their busy summer schedules. I split three sessions by three themes: Poetry as memory, Poetry as self-portraits, and Poetry for raising awareness. Many students requested individual sessions, so I did those for most students that worked best for their schedules. At the end of all their sessions, some students with finished poems submitted them to me for publication in an anthology book!
What I Learned:
Teaching Poetry: Throughout this project, I learned how to effectively teach poetry to students who were initially unfamiliar with the subject. I developed techniques to break down complex concepts into more accessible ideas, ensuring that each student could grasp and enjoy the process. I also learned the importance of patience and empathy in guiding students through their creative journeys, allowing them to explore and express their thoughts freely.
Guiding and Mentoring: I discovered how to create a supportive environment where students felt comfortable sharing their work and receiving feedback. Guiding them required understanding each student’s unique pace and style, and I found great fulfillment in helping them discover and refine their poetic voices.
Appreciation for Knowledge Sharing: Sharing my knowledge and passion for poetry was incredibly rewarding. I gained a deeper appreciation for the impact that sharing can have, not just in teaching, but also in fostering a collaborative learning environment. Watching students apply the techniques and insights I provided was a powerful reminder of the value of mentorship.
Self-Publishing Skills: In the process of compiling the students’ work into an anthology, I learned the technical and creative aspects of self-publishing. From formatting the manuscript, to compiling all the poems and putting everything together online, this experience enhanced my organizational skills and gave me practical knowledge that I can apply to future publishing endeavors.
