poetry
in the classroom

Poetry in the Classroom aims to introduce students to poetry by bringing professional writers into classrooms, creating relationships between local poets and teachers, and providing opportunities for students to publish and perform their work. We hope exposure to new creative tools is a source of empowerment – and joy! – for local youth.

 

About Elk River’s

poetry in the classroom

Poetry in the Classroom is a collaboration between Elk River Arts & Lectures and the Livingston School District that grew out of a partnership with Humanities Montana launching their Gather Round program, encouraging community-wide conversations about “hearth” and place.

Now a stand-alone program, Poetry in the Classroom aims to introduce students to basic concepts of poetry; create relationships between local poets, students, and teachers; and provide opportunities for students to publish and perform their work. We hope exposure to new forms of creative expression is a source of empowerment – and joy! – for local youth.

 

 

All student poems are published in an end-of-program chapbook alongside accompanying illustrations created by Park County high school students. At the end of each school year, fourth-grade students are invited to read their poems to third-grade students, teachers, parents, and other community members. 

To obtain a free copy of the Poetry in the Classroom chapbook, visit Elk River Books, email director@elkriverarts.org, or come to one of our upcoming events! 

Elk River Arts & Lectures is grateful for the continued support of East Side Principal Leah Shannon and every fourth grade teacher who helps make this program not only possible but rich with energy. 

You can see students reading their poems in these videos by Arthouse Billy Studios.

2022 Poetry in the Classroom, with poets Marc Beaudin, Meriweather Campbell, Michael Earl Craig, & Max Hjortsberg. 

Poetry in the Classroom was featured in the Livingston Enterprise on April 13, 2022. To see the story, click here: 

https://www.livingstonenterprise.com/content/poetry-motion

 

2023 Poetry in the Classroom, with poets Marc Beaudin, Michael Earl Craig, Max Hjortsberg, & Tessa Moeckel.