Writing, Literature, & Languages   

In Classroom 1-1/2-2 hours each, weekly lesson plan handouts and assignments, 5-10 minute in class writing and critique from prompts, stand alone essay based memoir topics, essays in progress readings and critique. Participants will produce three 1,000 word essays to be compiled into a document for each participant. Sample prompts: Influencers, A Childhood Friend, A Favorite Place, A Memorable Journey, others as chosen by participants or the facilitator.

All poetry is the "Song of the Heart", whether it is expressing romantic love, grief, wisdom, or a praise of Nature. This is a collaborative class of reading poetry that sings to each of us, and writing and sharing our own poems of the Heart. This class will not focus on the scholarly writing of poetry. Everyone is a poet at heart and capable of expressing their feelings. No experience writing "poetry" is required. Please join our "choir" and express yourself through the song of Poetry.

Organize your thoughts, photos, artwork, letters, diaries, and emails. We will write in class and at home - yes, homework. Bring paper, pen, and/or laptop. Your first chapter will be on your grandparents, second chapter on your parents, then chapters about your life divided into 15-year segments. Writing topics will be suggested, and your work edited. You may read your work aloud to the class, if you like.

Poetry is in and all around us! During this class, we will enter the pleasurable, exciting world of poetry as we pay attention to and savor language. The journey will include learning about and experimenting with different poetic forms, ranging from open free-verse to forms with repetition and rhyme. Within a supportive, encouraging environment, we will work on our own poems and at the end, put completed ones into a hand-made booklet.