Dana Jensen
While working in a 1st grade classroom we were creating comparisons for things that are in the sky. One student wrote “the sun is the last coin in a poor family’s savings,” and another wrote, “the wind is the breath of a sleeping god.” Through the techniques and inspirations of poetry, children and young people routinely display a creativity and command of language that continues to astound me everywhere I go.
It was this dexterity with language that first attracted me to poetry as a high school student. After making my way uphill on winter predawns through snow and cold and dark I entered into a classroom that radiated warmth and energy of a remarkable English teacher, who introduced me to the wonders and mysteries of poetry. It was then that I came to realize that through poetry one could say things that could be said no other way, and that I could at least try to do it myself.
Dana manages to get students to write, as well as verbalize, creative work that is totally unexpected from students who expressed little talent or interest prior to his coming to our school.
Jennie Borgen, Badger Elementary
Some of my more challenging students were able to shine during our week with the poet. Another student who struggles with school wrote a note of thanks to our poet because she enjoyed the experience so much.
LaRae Ludwig, Teacher, LeSueur-Henderson Middle School
