TESTIMONIALS

The Poetry Toolbox provided me with inspiration, sample poems, and lesson plans that engaged each and every writer in my class. Definitely a must-have for any teacher.” - Jenn Simon, 3rd Grade Teacher, Grandview Elementary

I never liked to write, but in Jennie’s poetry group I do. -Jay, 3rd Grade Student

The five voices of poetry made writing more accessible for each and every one of my students.” -Karla Yates, 3rd grade teacher, Meadows Elementary, CA

It felt good to be able to put into writing my thoughts. The writing prompts helped me understand how I feel. - Graham, 10th Grade Student

Jennie took me through each ‘voice’ complete with descriptions, examples, and time to practice independently. Each voice had accompanying language, making it incredibly “teachable” and accessible for students. I immediately added it to my classroom writing lessons.”

-Sandi Crozier, 3rd Grade, Wildwood School, Los Angeles

My son was not excited about writing in fourth grade. His experience with Jennie made him enthusiastic about writing and confident in his writing skills. English is now one of his favorite subjects and he consistently earns high marks. -Mrs. Graf, parent of a 5th grader

Students tapped into emotional places and were empowered to share these feelings and perspectives. -Jennifer Simon, 3rd grade teacher, Grandview Elementary, CA

Now more than ever, I feel it’s invaluable for students to express their feelings and experiences in writing, and using The Poetry Toolbox is perfect for attaining that goal! - Mrs. Yates, 3rd grade teacher, Meadows Elementary, CA

My 5th grade daughter had a private Poetry Toolbox group during Covid, and the teachers were amazed at how the strength of her writing grew. -Mrs. Amir, parent of a 5th grader

The results were notable. Those students with solid writing identities absorbed the information and leaped ahead. The reluctant writers were able to try out each voice by examining examples and using them as models. By the end of the 5-week unit, each student had produced a writing booklet that featured each writing voice and an image moment piece. At the culminating family share, students demonstrated heartfelt ownership of their writing and feelings of accomplishment. -Sandi Crozier, 20+ years in the classroom

This brought my creativity in writing to a new stage. This experience allowed me to view poetry as an art form that helps guide people in their lives and not just some letters on paper. - Conner, 7-8 grade, Merritt Academy

The poetry workshop allowed me to reflect who I am through writing. I have never used words to look at myself, as well as actually understand who I am and what I represent. - Jazarah, 7-8 grade, Merritt Academy

The workshop helped me enhance my language in my poems. For each voice I went deeper and deeper as the tones in writing made me look into multiple aspects of language. - Auran, 7-8 grade, Merritt Academy

The techniques didn’t only tell us how to write them, but let us choose how we wrote them. We got to write about ourselves and our memories. I found it very different from just writing similes or metaphors. It felt easier. - Roxy, 7-8 grade, Merritt Academy