Media Poetry Out Loud
How does poetry change when it transforms from written to spoken word? Listen as well-known voices express the work of celebrated poets.
Get Your Write On
Lesson Content
Writing requires uninterrupted solo time when you can invite your imagination and creativity to come out and play. Reading writing that fires up your imagination is part of the process, too. Many writers also get a boost from connecting and sharing ideas, frustrations, and laughter with other creative types. Here are a handful of online resources to link you up with others working to get their write on:
- “25 Amazing Books by African-American Writers You Need to Read.” Mentalfloss.com. A book list of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and memoir—the best from past and present.
- “30 Black Comic Book Writers You Should Know.” By Troy L. Wiggins. Bookriot.com, Oct. 10, 2016. A list that elevates Black comic book writers.
- The Harlem Writers Guild. Learn about the oldest organization of African American writers.
- NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program. The super-charged write, write, write movement that inspires people to write entire novels—in 30 days.
- “Poems for a Purpose.” Power Poetry. A list of resources including contemporary poets to know, famous poems about certain themes (like grief/healing and nature/the environment), and recommendations for online writing communities.
- Poetry Slam, Inc. Poetry Slam Incorporated (or PSI) promotes the creation and performance of poetry that engages all ages and communities.
-
Writer
Sean McCollum
-
Editor
Lisa Resnick
-
Producer
Tiffany A. Bryant
-
Updated
October 8, 2021
Media The Skeleton of a Scary Story
What gives a scary story its boo factor? Learn about the tricks you can use to rattle readers.
Article Claiming Personal Power
Here are ideas and resources to help link you up when you want to add your personal power to the company of others.
Collection Language & Literary Arts
How do fables and myths explain the unknown and preserve cultures? What makes a good story? How do plays comment on societal issues? Grab a pencil and prepare to create original poems, experience the Civil War through letters, and parse symbolism and metaphor in this exploration of language arts.
Kennedy Center Education provides resources and experiences that inspire, excite, and empower students and young artists, plus the tools and connections to help educators incorporate the arts into classrooms and learning spaces of all types.
Connect with us!
Sign up to stay informed!
Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Bank of America; Capital One; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; The Ednah Root Foundation; Genesis Inspiration Foundation; Harman Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The Kiplinger Foundation; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; The Markow Totevy Foundation; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives;
Prince Charitable Trusts; Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Jackie Washington; GRoW @ Annenberg and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and Family; and generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts..
The content of these programs may have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.