Our Classroom Journey

I’m always on the lookout for ways to push the boundaries of traditional learning and empower my students to express themselves in innovative, cross-disciplinary ways. That’s why I was thrilled to partner with Mrs. Pennell, English II teacher, on the Video Poem Project – a captivating project that fuses the art of prose poetry with the dynamism of digital media.

The premise was simple yet profound: students would first craft personal prose poems, delving into their own experiences and emotions. But the project wouldn’t stop there. Armed with their poetic creations, they would then transform their words into living, breathing video masterpieces – complete with slow-motion footage, expressive voiceovers, and musical accompaniment.

To kickstart the project, Mrs. Pennell provided comprehensive materials on the art of prose poetry, guiding students through a structured five-step process. From incorporating sensory details to playing with repetition and alliteration, these lessons laid the foundation for crafting powerful, resonant poems.

But the project really came to life when students brought their poems to my digital media class. Suddenly, these written works became the launchpad for a whole new level of creative expression. Students experimented with filming techniques, editing software, and musical selection, working tirelessly to translate their poetic visions into captivating audiovisual experiences.

Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Some students grappled with the vulnerability of sharing personal stories, while others wrestled with the technical complexities of video production. But through it all, I witnessed remarkable growth – not just in their skills, but in their self-confidence and willingness to take creative risks.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this project was the way it was curricular between our English and digital media classes. Students found themselves teaching and learning from one another, sharing techniques and offering constructive feedback. It was a true testament to the power of collaborative learning, where disciplines converge to create something greater than the sum of their parts.

As I look back on the Video Poem Project, I’m struck by the profound impact it had on our students. Beyond the acquisition of technical skills, this initiative empowered them to find their unique voices, to weave their personal narratives into captivating works of art. And in doing so, they didn’t just create videos – they crafted windows into their own experiences, inviting their audience to feel, to empathize, and to connect on a deeply human level.

The Video Poem Project is just the beginning of what’s possible when we break down the silos between different subject areas. By encouraging students to explore the intersections of poetry, technology, and multimedia storytelling, we’re not only preparing them for the demands of the 21st-century workforce – we’re equipping them with the tools to become the innovative, empathetic leaders of tomorrow.

Many students chose not to share their video poem publicly. Below are a couple of examples these students chose to share.