Students Shine in 5th Grade Poetry Showcase

On April 25, St. Luke’s fifth graders took to Stage 302 on the Hilltop to perform pieces from a portfolio of poems they each developed over the last few weeks. As parents and members of the St. Luke’s community watched, poets from the Class of 2030 inspired us with their eloquent creations and wise reflections. To see photos from the poetry showcase, click here.

Members of the Class of 2030 explored poetry and poetic devices for two weeks prior to working directly with the accomplished poet Georgia Heard, our Poet in (Virtual) Residence. Heard, a nationally and internationally renowned author, writes for children and teachers. She has many accolades and accomplishments, including being a founding member of the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University. 

Heard worked with the children for four sessions. During that time, the students' drafting, revision, and presentation skills were sharpened, and their passion for poetry was nurtured. 

Poets started by using Ms. Heard’s concept of the Five Doors of Poetry, which are metaphors for larger poetic themes or topics from which poets get ideas and inspiration. The five doors include the Observation Door, the Heart Door, the Concerns about the World Door, the Question Door, and the Memory Door. Ms. Heard then taught students how to analyze works of art and write ekphrastic poems, an ancient form of poetry that vividly describes a scene or work of art. Students chose to write ekphrastic poems about Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and an installation piece called “Mirror Infinity Room” by contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Last, students built poems about a special memory from different perspectives which Ms. Heard calls the Six-Room Poem. Poets then revised one poem from their portfolio and met with Ms. Heard for a fourth session to hone their presentation skills. 

The students’ talent, wisdom, and creativity amazed parents and other visitors. The unit brought all involved into a collective embrace of the unique community that is St. Luke’s School.

Many thanks to our audience for being a part of this exciting day. Thank you to Ms. Heard, Head of Middle School Amber Berry, and St. Luke’s for supporting our school's commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression in our students. Most importantly, we thank you, fifth grade. Your poems provided your audience with both escape and connection. Congratulations, poets!