Sketch: Poetry as Play—Using Riskless Poetry Writing to Support Instruction

Abstract

The virtual world has become our reality. However, studies show that digital life fosters an addictive self-reference that incapacitates individuals from engaging with others in person. Ironically, one effective way of helping students return to the real world is through play. This pen portrait will show how I have used riskless poetry writing to help students “see” more clearly both the natural world and the spiritual realm. Crossing the threshold of fear the first week, they become passionate. Students learn to contemplate as they observe and articulate perceptions; they pause to ponder as they exchange insights on each other’s anonymous verse.