A young poet asked us recently if he could write a poem with a friend. Our immediate answer was YES.
We did so because we want students to write poetry and experience the benefits of doing so in whatever way that resonates with them.
Collaborative poetry writing offers student poets a platform to come together, share a combination of ideas, reflections and feelings, and embark on a thrilling journey to create something original.
In a classroom (or a home), collaborative poetry writing exercises will enhance creativity and inspiration by allowing multiple individuals to contribute their unique viewpoints and ideas, advancing the boundaries of their own artistic expression.
Furthermore, working in a group or with a partner will strengthen writing skills because of the ongoing opportunities for collaboration, feedback and learning from others.
Sharing thoughts and ideas in a group setting is likely to build a student’s confidence in drafting a poem. It will definitely expand their vocabularies and hopefully the understanding of various poetic structures.
Different student backgrounds, experiences and perspectives of the poets, when shared, will also add depth and richness to the writing process.
As the poem materialises, editing and refining the co-authored poem will involve collaborative editing techniques requiring open discussion and feedback – which will further enhance the experience for all.
Sharing and celebrating the finished collaborative poem can be done through creating a performance or presentation, or hopefully entering our Student Poetry Competition.
More importantly though will be the group reflection on the collaborative process that will take place leading to the drafting and writing of more sophisticated and breathtaking poems in the future. Why not delve into this experience today.
