Too often in my work with young writers, I’m reminded of how daunted many are by the prospect of creating a poem. This is what happens when we diminish what writing truly is. It’s not the use of written words alone, and it never has been. Writing--and especially poetry--is multimodal expression.
Rudy Francisco reminds us of this in My Honest Poem. Watch and listen, and as you do, document what you notice about the expressive modes that shape his composition. Pay attention to the way he uses his voice. Study his gestures. Notice how he moves his eyes and when. It isn’t a keyboard, pencil, or paper that makes his hands power tools. He’s still using them to craft poetry, though. Watch.
Here’s what’s exciting: When we invite writers to craft poems using more than written words, we ignite hope in the hearts of many who refuse to define themselves as writers, let alone poets.
Francisco’s performance is a perfect mentor text for those eager to compose honest poems of their own.
Begin by defining the six different modes of expression (see below) and inviting writers to analyze them inside of different multimodal compositions. Consider the choices each poet made regarding message, mode, form, and outlet. Notice how some poets need to speak their words while others use illustrations. Some prefer to situate photographs within a page, wrapping written words around them. Others may do all of these things and more.
Consider sharing Francisco’s poem with your students. Use it to challenge common assumptions about what poetry is and how we compose it. Then, invite them to get beyond the use of written words themselves. The chart below might help all of you imagine the possibilities.
Further Reading:
Angela Stockman is an instructional designer, writer, and professional learning facilitator who serves teachers of writing. She is the author of three books on this topic, the most recent being Creating Inclusive Writing Environments in the K-12 Classroom: Reluctance, Resistance, and Strategies that Make a Difference (Routledge, 2020). You may find her on Twitter @AngelaStockman.
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