RADNOR, Pa.—A “Poetry Café” was recently hosted by fourth-grade teacher Michele Ciaramello and her students at the Armenian Sisters Academy. Guests included parents, grandparents, and relatives who came to hear students recite a variety of poetic styles. Although the themes were consistent—spring, poems changing the world, and self-portrait riddle poems—each student expressed his or her unique thoughts.
Some poems took the form of haiku, a non rhyming verse of three lines of five, seven, and five syllables in each line. Others recited diamante poems, which consist of seven lines written to create a diamond shape while comparing and contrasting opposites. Still others created free form poems to express their sentiments. All wrote “Who am I?” poems, and had the audience guess which fourth-grade student was being described.
The students read their poems under a spotlight, while guests snapped fingers in lieu of clapping to show their appreciation. Even the setting—a darkened classroom brightened by multicolored holiday lights—added to the beatnik cafe ambiance.
As a final surprise, the students sang “We are the World” to show that they, too, can make a difference. They pointed out their Lenten collection jar which will go to help Haitians, and encouraged the audience to contribute.
Guests later enjoyed refreshments, many hugs, and student poetry and artwork displayed throughout the classroom.
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