Poetry in Motion is a poetry experience designed to inspire and motivate students to read, and especially write, poetry.

Just Write Poetry Initiative Poetry in Motion Workshop Poetry in Motion Book Publishing Poetry in Motion Book Signings Poetry in Motion Interactive justwritepoetry.com Program Components

The arts educate the whole child The arts are foundational to a good education Skills developed in the arts improve achievement in other areas Arts education fosters brain development Instruction in the arts affects social skills including positive social behaviors Proven Benefits of the Arts

“…Declines [in arts funding] began before the current economic crisis took hold,” said Richard Kessler, executive director of the Center for Arts Education. “As schools have been under pressure to focus on raising test scores in math and reading, vital components of arts education have gone on the chopping block.” – crainsnewyork.com

The Poetry in Motion Workshop was initially conducted for 40 teachers as part of the Kennedy Center’s Art Partners in Education Program with the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and the Anchorage School District.

Poet, Gwendolyn Faye, was invited by one of those teachers to conduct the Poetry in Motion Workshop for two classrooms of 5 th and 6 th graders at Willard L. Bowman Elementary School in Anchorage, Alaska.

She promised each class that she would publish their writing – the result of their participation in the workshop’s writing exercises – in two books…one for each class.

At the end of the second workshop, the students swarmed around for an autograph…and Gwendolyn Faye wanted those students to understand what that felt like...

…so, she offered to host a book signing of their very own. However, their teacher had something greater in mind. She went before the PTA and got an all-school assembly approved.

Two published books – Poetry in Motion, Volume I & Volume II Each student in each class had two poems that they wrote published in one of those books Books were pre-sold to parents, teachers, family and friends Two 45-Minute Workshops Became…

Gwendolyn Faye performed her original work to expose and inspire the students The books were officially released in front of the entire student body Eight students volunteered to read their work in front of their peers During the All-School Assembly…

To the delight of the students, the mayor of the city of Anchorage issued a proclamation rendering it “Bowman Poetry in Motion Day” Gwendolyn Faye lead the entire school as they participated in the performance of the final poem During the All-School Assembly…

The event culminated with a book signing where purchased books were picked up and signed by the authors…Bowman’s own students. The proceeds from the sale of the books benefited Bowman Elementary School During the All-School Assembly…

Poetry in Motion is an overwhelmingly successful program that inspires students to write poetry and achieve academically.

Poetry in Motion is a supplemental arts program that generates funds for local schools, so it pays for itself.

Self-published poet National presenter of the National Association for Gifted Children Passionate about inspiring children through the arts About Gwendolyn Faye

International Kalimba Master Composer of the Poetry in Motion soundtrack Mesmerizing, inspiring performer About Kevin Spears

Live Performance Poetic Styles Writing exercise #1 Writing exercise #2 Adding Music to Poetry Live Performance About the Workshop

Books are presold by students, teachers and parents First draft and cover art delivered within two weeks Publishing by Myriad Press

Forward written by school representative Draft proofed and approved by school within two weeks Publishing by Myriad Press

Final books printed and delivered to school within two weeks Back of books includes journal sheets to inspire writing by the reader Publishing by Myriad Press

for a proposal Choose the group of children Select the date for the Poetry in Motion Workshop Conduct the workshop Collect student poetry for publishing Next Steps

Schedule the assembly Pre-sell student poetry books Host school assembly and book signing to release books Next Steps

Practical tools for using poetry to inspire students Direction and motivation to improve their use of the arts in the classroom The Legacy of Poetry in Motion For Teachers

A platform for improved communication A practical way to support their child Tools for further artistic development The Legacy of Poetry in Motion For Parents

A simple, proven model for using poetry to inspire students Poetry in Motion Interactive DVD/CD Reliable revenue to fund the arts in education The Legacy of Poetry in Motion For Schools

Inspiration to continue reading and writing poetry An improved sense of self Pride in achievement The Legacy of Poetry in Motion For Students