We offer both “high tech” and “lower tech” remote programming to support poetry learning in a variety of distance learning models. For students/classrooms with high levels internet connectivity and device access, we offer poet visits conducted over video conferencing platforms. We are currently offering theses on a sliding scale payment model.
For students with minimal internet connectivity or students in a household with high competition for computer access, we offer creative writing workshop packets. We developed these packets in partnership of our poet-educators from across the state and are providing these free of cost to teachers. All we ask in return is feedback from you and your students after each packet. There are links to those feedback surveys, as well as other resources, in the first few pages of each packet. The packets are loosely divided into target age groups for your convenience, but the groupings are only suggestions—please use them however you wish!
Poetry In The Midst of A Pandemic
In March 2020 in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, Mass Poetry shut down its in-person programming, including poet school visits, poet-in-residence programs, and a Student Day of Poetry festival involving 150 students. Our decisions were not made lightly—we know many teachers rely on us for opportunities that might otherwise not exist—but it was the most responsible thing to do.
We do not take our responsibility to our community lightly, whether that be protecting the health of our state’s most vulnerable populations or supporting our poets and teachers in a rapid shift in educational delivery models. We also recognize that the need for poetry is actually higher in times of crisis and uncertainty. We will work hard to support you, in our programs, through our lists of resources, and in any other way we can in the coming months. We can’t wait to see you again, as soon as safely possible!
Poetry Workshop Packets, Grades 5-8
NEW! Origin Stories with Michelle Garcia-Fresco
Questioning: Connecting Science and Poetry Through Curiosity with Usman Hameedi
Zip Odes with Kim Berner
I Remember with Elizabeth Mikesch
Poetry Workshop Packets, Grades 9-12
NEW! A Genealogy: Defining Yourself on Your Own Terms with Crystal Valentine
NEW! Mapping Survival with Jonathan Mendoza
NEW! Writing Journey with Jamele Adams
The Ekphrastic Poem with John Bonanni
The Contrarian’s Poetry Hour with Kathryn Petruccelli
Notes to Myself During COVID-19 with Lisken Van Pelt Dus
Virtual Poet Visits
If your students are excited to do more once you’ve worked through these packets and you have the technology to host a poet virtually, you can request a visit from these or any of our poet-educators here.
Additional Resources
If you are a teacher or a parent in need of further resources to support creative writing activities and poetry learning, please check out our Resources for Educators page!