“Imagination Gone Wild” at Clara H. Carlson

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Sixth-grade students in Maribel Hernandez's class at Clara H. Carlson School penned original poetry under the direction of literacy teacher Jessica Dammers.

The writing activity began with students studying the life and works of Jack Prelutsky, a children's poet known for his humorous and creative verse. They were tasked with recreating the style of Prelutsky in their own work. Dammers asked students the driving question, "What kind of poetry would kindergartners like to read?" to kick off the project-based learning activity. 

Students discussed writing tone and brainstormed about what the younger students would enjoy. They also fully engaged in the writing process while creating their poetry, working together to edit and revise their work with classroom partners.

Once the poems were finished, Dammers compiled the students' work into the "Imagination Gone Wild" poetry book. Each student received a copy, which they used when sharing their writing with kindergarten classes in the building. Dammers said she was incredibly proud of what the sixth-grade students had accomplished.

"The creativity and imagination they exhibited in their writing was unbelievable," Dammers said. "They also demonstrated maturity when they read to the kindergartners. They are truly role models for the younger students."