Lesson Materials

Ask A Poet

Poetic Devices in Meyers & Plymouth

Advice for Aspiring Poets

How to Make a Blackout Poem

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Graphic of a hand holding a microphone next to the words "Beyond English Class: The Power of Poetry"

Poetry is powerful. Travel with host Justin Rogers as we meet young people throughout Michigan who use poetry to empower themselves and their communities. Enjoy poetry performances by young artists, discover local outlets for creative expression in Michigan, and learn more about the beautiful art of poetry. Content partners include 826 Michigan, Ann Arbor District Library, InsideOut Literary Arts, WNMU-TV, Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative, The Diatribe, Michigan Humanities Council, and Poetry Out Loud Michigan.

For your convenience, time codes are linked to individual segments. Enjoy!
00:00 – Parental Warning
00:22 – Show Open
00:38 – Meet our host, Justin Rogers
1:06 – 826Michigan
4:40 – What is Blackout Poetry? Featuring the Ann Arbor District Library
7:17 – InsideOut Literary Arts
13:51 – “Harmon” performed by Xavier
15:19 – Metaphors
16:28 – “For Reasons of the Heart” performed by Kaylind
17:26 – Poetry Trivia #1
17:44 – What is a Poet Laureate and what do they do?
23:03 – “Thunderstorm” performed by Leah
24:25 – Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative
34:59 – “First Snow” performed by Lauryn
35:48 – Poetry Trivia #2
36:04 – The Diatribe
39:20 – “Meyers & Plymouth – Circa 2004” performed by Justin Rogers
43:52 – Poetry Out Loud Michigan
47:10 – Tips for a Dynamic Poetry Performance
50:30 – “Better” performed by Ife
52:30 – Poetry Trivia #3
52:46 – Advice for Aspiring Writers
53:44 – Amanda Gorman quote of the day featuring AADL
55:40 – Credits

Learn more about our content partners:

826Michigan
826michigan helps students in Southeast Michigan write better futures, one story at a time. Since 2005 they’ve inspired school-aged students to write confidently and skillfully with the help of adult volunteers in their communities.

Ann Arbor District Library
The Ann Arbor District Library provides collections, programs, and leadership to promote the development of literate and informed citizens through open and equal access to cultural, intellectual, recreational, and information resources.

InsideOut Literary Arts
Through creative writing, InsideOut inspires and equips young people to think critically, create bravely, and share their voices with the world. Since 1995, InsideOut Literary Arts has helped over 65,000 of Detroit’s youth build their literary and academic skills through creative writing

Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative
Fire exists as a brave space – inspiring truth and freedom – where creativity nurtures youth to express, heal, and connect with self and others.

The Diatribe
The Diatribe uses performing arts to empower young people to share their stories, raise awareness of social issues, and create change within their communities.

Poetry Out Loud Michigan
Poetry Out Loud encourages youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. The program and all materials are provided to each partner at no cost.

Michigan Humanities Council
Michigan Humanities Council awards grants for public humanities and cultural programs; conducts public humanities and cultural projects of statewide importance; initiates collaborations and partnerships to broaden and strengthen the organizational and institutional base for the humanities in Michigan; and provides the humanities with leadership and a public voice in Michigan.

WGVU Public Media
WGVU Public Media connects with communities by using the strengths of public media to educate, inform, inspire and entertain.

WNMU-TV
WNMU-TV is a public service of Northern Michigan University serving the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Northern Wisconsin since 1972. Locally-produced programming captures the interest and sparks the curiosity of viewers with series such as Ask the Doctors, Media Meet, High School Bowl, and specials about the Upper Peninsula.

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