Poetry in the Classroom
A program sponsored by Target Stores

Gina Larkin
Chairperson, EAS Literature Committee

The Edison Arts Society is proudly offering its very popular program for its seventh year "Poetry in the Classroom", sponsored by Target Stores in Edison. This program allows poetry to be brought into school classrooms for elementary and middle school students. "Poetry in the Classroom" consists of two 45 minute visits on consecutive days. On the first day, students write poems and on the following day, they share their poems with the class. If teachers desire, poems can be coordinated with the topics the class is covering at that time. Our Edison Arts Society Literature Chair, Gina Larkin, has successfully brought this program to almost every public and private school in the Edison area. There is NO FEE for this program to the schools but due to its high demand, teachers need to book dates early in advance, especially for the months of October and April.

A follow-up to "Poetry in the Classroom" can be arranged for the PTA. Using the students' poems, Ms. Larkin will offer suggestions to help parents foster creativity in their children. The student poets, if available, are invited to attend the meeting to read their work. This parent presentation takes approximately one hour and includes topics such as:

-Some definitions of creativity

-Problems that get in the way of our creativity as we get older

-Suggestions for supporting an environment of creativity (reading, sharing ideas, listening, encouraging, praising)

-Ways to fit this into an already busy life

If your school or PTA is interested in either of these programs, please contact the Edison Arts Society at (908) 753-2787. There is a $100 fee for the PTA program.