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Showing posts from November, 2022

Poems, Immigrants, and Literacy

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My granduncles and aunt - NYC 1925 at the base of the Statue of Liberty after immigrating from Kassabella in what  is now Slovakia. Looking back, I realized that I have been writing poetry for sixty plus years. I have been teaching the art of writing poetry for forty plus years. I can sincerely say that poetry is an intricate part of my life. But what has poetry done for me or those in my life? First, poetry gave me a voice when everything around me was telling me to be silent. Then, poetry took me to places I would have had difficulty getting to on my own. Finally, poetry became my art, the way I painted a world that was too confusing, too complex, so beautiful that mere words couldn't capture the emotions.  Today, as we near the end of the 30 Poems in November challenge, I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to teach my students the joy of writing poetry. Always, I am awed by their ability to use a language that is foreign to them to express such deep emotions in such a

Time for Poetry!

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  November is here!  Time for the 30 Poems in November Challenge! Why do I participate in this challenge?  The primary reason is that I love teaching and my students. The Center for New Americans is where I teach. CNA is a nonprofit organization. While the Department of Education funds us, we must find other ways to add to our funds so we can assist our students and clients throughout the year.  30 Poems in November is our major fundraiser. In addition, as an English teacher, I love teaching poetry and sharing this art form with students who are learning English as a second language.  If you would like to support my efforts during 30 Poems in November, please click this link:  https://cnam.org/civi/pcp/info/?reset=1&id=701