Arts and Culture United States Project #9220

Teach Literacy through the Arts in DC, MD, and VA

by Story Tapestries Inc.

Teach Literacy through the Arts in DC, MD, and VA

Project Report | Dec 16, 2019
The Power of Poetry

By Tyler French | Innovation and Partnerships Director

Student Performing Poetry

If you are an educator or teaching artist, or someone who works closely with youth, I invite you to think about the times you’ve been delighted, surprised, or floored by the work your students produce. If you do not work with youth directly, I invite you to ask an educator friend if they can recount this experience for you.

As a poet and educator, I was floored by the poems Nikolai R. wrote during a spoken word residency with Story Tapestries Teaching Artist, Regie C. at Pemberton Elementary. I know and have experienced first hand how poetry can not only build literacy skills but also unlock something special for students. Poetry’s intense focusing of language, paired with the poem’s freedom from strictly “correct” syntax and grammar, and freedom from “making sense” allow students to explore, to try, and to find additional avenues for expression. Given the right mix of structure, tools, and gentle guidance they soar.

We wanted to share with you two poems Nikolai R. wrote. Your support makes it possible for students to have these residencies during which they build their literacy skills and dig deeper the wells of their expression. Thank you for your ongoing support of Story Tapestries and for being a part of providing these life-changing, arts-integrated literacy programs for youth throughout the region.

If you have experienced a moment of being floored by a student’s work, we invite you to share that experience with us on our Facebook page. As we approach the end of this calendar year, let's take time to record and cherish these moments and pledge to enter the year with more poetry.

Depression

My anger is as red as crayon,

a fire ant, as the river overflows

like my suitcase, tide rising.

I look for something out the window

to control. My patience is as small

as a baby snake, the more the clouds

pour rain, the more I am depressed.

My anger comes back like a boomerang

and my anger control is as small

as a piece of sand as the egg cracks

the more I want to do something.

Days go on as I bang my head

on stone, more ideas come to me

the wind blows as hard as I get

angry as I beat the drum the more

I feel good the flames of fire burn

in depression as the ice melts,

the memories come to me

in torment as the bridge collapses,

the more terrified people I see

as I count the sides of a square

the more depressed I become

as the fire burns out you see

the smoke of doom as I kick the wall,

the wall gives up and I am depressed.

I am always feeling blue as the cyclone

spinning the more I feel the wind,

the dragon spits fire the more I feel

myself as the sad music that is played

the depressing memories try to seep out,

I am a piece of ice that burns in the fire.

The moon shines in the moonlight

The moon

is the opposite of me,

bright.

I am as non-silent

as the moon

I talk a lot as the moon

shines in the night

but not day

the moon shines in a path

not my way

the sun shines my way!

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Dec 3, 2019
Crowning Poetry Slam Champions

By Tyler French | Innovation and Partnerships Director

Poetry Slam Champion Beatboxing

Story Tapestries just completed a two-week residency program at Pemberton Elementary School. This is the second year we have served Pemberton with artists-in-residence in language arts, history and math classrooms, performances, and professional development for teachers. In every classroom students built their writing skills, creating poetry in language arts and crafting their own word problems in math.

The program culminated with a final celebration and poetry slam. Teachers were surprised and impressed by which students ended up in the poetry slam finals. Students who were usually quiet and more hesitant to share in class found and developed their voices and confidence working with Story Tapestries artists. Additionally, teachers witnessed fewer behavioral issues and fully engaged classrooms throughout the residency.

One such student was crowned slam champion. After giving his final, winning performance, he took the Story Tapestries artists aside and told them, “You know, I’m also a beatbox artist.” He then, off the cuff, layered his final poem with beatboxing.

We love sharing these stories because YOU helped create them.

Story Tapestries is grateful to be part of the GlobalGiving family and to be part of the #GivingTuesday global movement. Through corporate sponsorships, dollars from supporters like you are stretched further thanks to matching campaigns today, December 3.

Your support not only unlocks the potential of future artists but also fosters students’ literacy skills and social emotional development in all aspects of their lives. Thank you so much for being part of the movement that brings art into the classrooms and puts fun into learning reading, writing, spoken word and so much more!

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Nov 22, 2019
Building Literacy Skills Creates World Citizens

By Tyler French | Innovation and Partnerships Director

International Children's Day, Neelsville Middle

First established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day, we celebrate World Children’s Day on November 20 each year, promoting international togetherness and a commitment to improving children’s welfare around the world. We uphold the ideals of World Children’s Day every day and in every program. We work to bring together communities to support positive growth and development for every young person we engage in our literacy programs. Thank you for your support that allows us to reach students and schools to provide these programs that set up the students to succeed in every subject. By integrating the arts into literacy skill-building, we also promote creativity, communication skills, and collaboration, building students’ capacities to be world citizens.

At the core of our work in youth and community development, we help everyone tell their stories. They may do this through a visual art piece, a poem, or a storytelling performance. They may perform or exhibit their work for all to hear and see. Or they may choose to share with only their close friends and family. Whatever the medium, we know these stories have the power to change the world. Stories are our superpowers that bring us together and make the world a better place.

Now through Dec. 16, we are excited to let you, our supporters, know about our My Story is My Superpower initiative. Follow our Facebook and Twitter pages to see the initiative in action with the hashtag #StoryPower2019.

Be on the lookout for how to engage and share the power of your stories with us on our Facebook page and Twitter!

On November 20, 1954, the United National General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. For more information about World Children’s Day, you can go to the United Nations webpage. https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-childrens-day

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