Book free workshops. Pen Power Poetry comes to you, fully supplied.
Short, Simple, Impactful
Pen Power Poetry is proud to offer free workshops for kids in the St. Louis area. We provide all necessary supplies to ensure every child has the opportunity to explore poetry, express themselves, and dream of a brighter future. Our workshops are led by Izzy, a passionate poet who is exceptional with kids. These sessions are designed to ignite creativity and empower participants—both children and adults—to find and share their voice.
Workshop Details
Our workshops are flexible, running for 1-3 hours, depending on the needs of the hosting organization or school. We tailor each session to make it a perfect fit for your group.
1. Starting with Questions
Every series of workshops always begins with open-ended questions like, “What does poetry mean to you?” Rather than starting with definitions or rules, we let students take the lead by letting them think for themselves. Openings like these empower students to claim ownership over their learning from the very beginning. According to the National Council of Teachers of English, students in low-performing schools often lack opportunities for authentic expression in the classroom. PPP provides those opportunities.
2. Reading for Inspiration
We introduce a published poem that connects to the workshop’s theme. For groups with lower literacy levels, especially in the early stages, it is important to avoid texts that rely on dense metaphors or advanced vocabulary, which can create fear, confusion, and unnecessary barriers. We also prioritize selecting poets whose backgrounds reflect those of the students, whether culturally, racially, or geographically. Representation matters. When students see themselves in the authors they read, they are more likely to believe that their own stories are also worth writing.
3. The Workshopping
Students then write their own poems and they can use PPP’s Core-Worksheet and Worksheet-Of-the-Day as support. During this time, Izzy and volunteers give students guidance, feedback, and encouragement. Whether they are stuck on a line, need help with spelling, or have absolutely no idea how to begin, I’m there to help them learn and grow. I make sure to constantly instill in them that there are no wrong ways to write a poem. No bad ideas. Just opportunities to learn, think, and have fun.
4. Mini Power Slam
At the end of each session, students are heavily encouraged to share and perform their work in what we call a Mini Power Slam. These performances are powerful moments of affirmation, often marking the first time a student has shared their writing aloud. We celebrate each student’s courage to share, making sure they feel heard and empowered.
To be eligible for a workshop, you must:
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Have a group of at least 6 participants (can be kids, adults, teens, seniors, anyone).
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Participants must be at least 5 years old and understand English.
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Be associated with a school, an organization, or some sort of group that has access to a room where the workshop(s) can take place.
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Location of workshops must be in or very close to St. Louis, Missouri.
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If not in-person, online workshops can be administered for any city, state, and country. However, in-person workshops for St. Louis schools and organizations are prioritized.
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If you do not know whether you are eligible for Pen Power Poetry's workshops, please still do fill out the interest form or directly email questions.
Easy and Cost Effective (Spoiler: It's Free)
Below is a break down of how much a workshop would cost if your school or organization paid for materials:
If you do not have these materials, Pen Power Poetry brings them to you free of charge. If you let Pen Power Poetry know how many participants will be present, we will be sure to provide all that is necessary.
