The Power of Poetry

Poetry Week at August Knodt Elementary Inspires Students to Share Their Dreams

During the week of October 28, spoken word poet Mr. Brandon Leake visited August Knodt Elementary, working with students and staff from kindergarten through eighth grade to embrace their creative potential. Throughout the week, students engaged in writing, poetry techniques, and performance methods. Through each lesson, students were encouraged to explore their unique perspectives and voices, crafting original works inspired by Mr. Leake’s own artistic journey.

Brandon Leake made history as the first spoken word poet to win America’s Got Talent in 2020. As a Stockton native, educator, and artist, Leake continues to inspire audiences with his heartfelt performances that tackle life’s joys and challenges.

“What I really hope to do is build on their writing skills, so they can use their words to cope with whatever they may go through,” Mr. Leake shared, reflecting on his goal to empower students.

In kindergarten through third-grade classrooms, students participated in the “Hero” lesson, which emphasized that being a hero isn’t about having superpowers but rather about using one’s strengths for good. Students explored how everyone has the power to be honest, brave, or kind.

Fourth through sixth-grade students learned about writing skills through the “Journey” concept. In these lessons, students were encouraged to think about what qualities they would need to reach their goals—like hard work, dedication, and resilience.

For the seventh and eighth graders, writing skills were worked on through the concept of dreams. Students were asked to write down a dream they had, identify two steps to help achieve it, consider potential obstacles, and think about how to overcome these challenges. They were also encouraged to reflect on their “why,” or the purpose behind their dreams.

The week culminated in a powerful poetry slam on Friday night, where students proudly showcased their original work. The event celebrated creativity, expression, and the lasting impact of lessons and activities throughout the week.

“I felt inspired to take a chance and share about my dream of becoming an artist,” shared fifth-grade student Sofia Martinez. Throughout the evening, students delivered heartfelt pieces about their dreams, from becoming a chef or a marine biologist to excelling as a volleyball player. The poetry slam highlighted the students’ newfound bravery and creativity.