The Power Of Poetry to Empower Our Pupils

I. Just. Found. This. 

The more time I spend on my craft and its inherent demand for administration, the more I find snippets of mine own history, buried beneath books in forms of files…

This is a crossover between a Blog and Testimonial, a Blogimonial, if you will. 

 It differs from the typical blog, as the subject matter is a testimonial.

It differs from the typical testimonial, (which may be fairly recent), as this particular statement is 18 years old; possibly produced from out of the very last school sessions that I facilitated, while I was still living in Toronto. 

It’s dated January 2005. 

January 2006, I arrived in Calgary - and though I clearly still arrived with old ways, a new life began, and now, it’s the Best Life Ever. 

Poetry For The People

Poetry For Our Pupils

Thank You, Bev Caswell.

These kinds of words that commend my interactions with our youth speak volumes. 

 You are really too kind.

Thank You Education, and Thank All Of You, for allowing me to bring Poetry and Spoken Word Arts to the next generations. 

Living My Laureate Life,

Loving My Lyrical Life.

WordWizard Out

~W🧙🏾‍♂️🎙️

 OISEUT

THE INSTITUTE OF CHILD STUDY

LABORATORY SCHOOL

OISE/UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

45 Walmer Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2X2

Phone: 416-978-3454 Fax: 416-978-6485

Internet: www.oise.utoronto.ca/ICS/

January 20, 2005

RE: Wakefield Brewster

To Whom It May Concern,

It is a pleasure to write this letter of reference for Wakefield Brewster. I have been fortunate to witness Wakefield's extraordinary ability both in his performances and in his work with students around language and literacy.

Wakefield designed an interactive workshop for forty-four of our Grade 5/6 students.

 He is a passionate wordsmith who very generously shared the secrets of the writer's craft and created an unforgettable experience for each student. 

He motivated the students to think about language in new and exciting ways. 

With enthusiasm and skill, Wakefield had students writing and performing their work. 

He has a strong commitment to social justice and gave children inspiration to recognize their own power to act (and write) for positive change. 

The excitement in the room was palpable, and students talked about their positive experience with Wakefield for many days.

We need more people like Wakefield Brewster in our classrooms! 

I would be happy to talk to you further and can be reached by email at:

 beaswell@oise.utoronto.ca

 Sincerely,

 BCaswell

Beverly Caswell

 Grade 5/6 Teacher