Growing a Poem Naturally (8-12+)

Growing a Poem Naturally: Poetry, and Simple Bookmaking

Discover your inner poet by exploring the beauty of the world around you. (ages 8-12+)

In this nature-inspired creative writing class, you’ll go on mini field trips, wander through outdoor spaces, and take time to notice—the way a bird sings, how the wind moves, or the colors in natural spaces. Through activities like keeping a nature journal, sketching what you see, and writing poems based on your surroundings, you’ll learn how to turn observations into powerful, personal poetry

Each week, we’ll explore themes like:

• Wildflowers, weather, and wildlife

• Rhythms in nature and in writing

• Becoming part of the landscape through words

• Dreaming up places and finding color in the world

• Building a "nature wordscape" to shape your voice as a poet

You’ll also learn simple bookmaking skills to create your own hand-bound poetry booklet, complete with your writing and nature-inspired artwork. At the end of the course, you’ll have the chance to share your work in a final showcase and take home your own one-of-a-kind nature poetry journal.

Instructor: Laura McLuckie-Khandan

Laura is an experienced artist-teacher and creative writer who has been teaching since 1991. Laura has shown her personal and collaborative artwork in the U.S. and around the world—and is inspired to help young people connect to their innate creativity.

News article from 2018:

https://www.dailyherald.com/20181105/news/mcc-to-dedicate-social-justice-mural-thursday/