First Intro Session at Parker

I did two intro sessions for the Lion's Den, which includes the Girls Inc. program.  My first session was with about 20 or so fifth grade boys and girls.  My second was with a group of 13 girls in the second and third grade. What I liked most is hearing them recite poems and I set it up as if it was an audition so I could see where they were. Some of them already had memorized pieces, some made things up on the spot and others were so shy they didn't even want to introduce themselves. If they passed on intros I put them all in the middle and some came up with some movements associated with their names that were worth the wait.  I was genuinely impressed with the talent, energy and potential of the group. It was so hype I had to calm them down with the help of the staff on site. 

I really like the staff on site as well. They made me feel supported and welcomed. They also made me feel safe especially given there was a lock down while I was there around 5:30 or 6 pm. I was asked if I heard anything, supposedly some shots were fired near the school and the kids thought they were fireworks. I didn't hear anything but it was a reminder for me to be watchful and on alert when working at Parker and to remember that kids in what some would consider war zones need love and hope too. My warm up game with the all girls group was yes and no, they also did a name game. Only one of the girls was writing poetry and prepared to recite it. Her poem was about her favorite black female heroes. Given I'm the author of She Rose I was pleased with the synchronicity.  I also felt more compelled to share a tribute I wrote about Ella Fitzgerald after she finished entitled "Swing Jazz Cats." This was good choice and allowed me to allow for a little improv myself given I hadn't shared a poem yet. One girl laughed almost all the way through it in pure delight. Others listened intently as I transformed into her character. I asked them to become one of their favorite singers or performers on paper. I could have had them write in that moment but I didn't have that much time. 

I will likely spend most of my time with the older group but I will follow up with that group just in case someone produced something on their own. I do think I will enjoy working with the boys and girls together though. Our boys need to learn self-control and compassion through these improv and writing exercises too. I will use a time keeper in the future and try to follow a strict schedule so I can get the writing prompts in. Next time I want to debrief after every game and find out what they felt, learned and observed. The goal is to stay on the high impact topics, give them some interview questions for tribute poems and produce or attempt two writings each week per visit. I will write a prompt on the board and have them start writing first thing to ensure I get it in, as we move forward and then give them inspiration to write some more through a video, a skit, or another poem. I'm really excited about this teaching project. The kids are looking for a chance to grow and so am I.