TEACHER TESTIMONIALS

Revitalizing a Love for Writing

" Last spring, this contest for original pieces of poetry was a huge success for our students and school. Our school, Lad Lake-Synergy North, is being overwhelmed with our students' excitement this spring for the contest. During each English class this past month, the students asked me to introduce them to new styles of poetry and poets. Your organization has revitalized a love for writing in the hearts of our students. They have discovered that their struggles and strife gives them the passion to whisper the words of poetry on their paper, in hopes that their poems will echo into the future of your Spring edition. "

---- Steven Gross

It Makes Such a Difference

" I don't know if you realize what your contest has done here at SHS. Many students who have low self-esteem and little motivation have turned in high quality poems for class assignments. At my prodding, many submitted them to your contest and have been chosen for publication. They are both stunned and thrilled! Many of these students are in the lowest academic track. Some are even special education students. They now realize that they have talent. It makes such a difference to be chosen by you. They now realize that I'm not just flattering them; I really do recognize their talent! Thank you so much for building their self-esteem and giving them the courage to keep trying in school! "

---- Dr. Miriam S. Johnson

Children Get Excited About Expressing Thoughts

" This was the first year that I knew anything about your contests. My class is so excited that they can't wait for the next contest. They already are discussing their topics and practicing different types of writing. They actually begged me to allow them to write poems to enter the poetry contest. I have been teaching for 29 years and I have never seen a group so excited about writing thanks to the essay contest. It's wonderful to see the children get excited about expressing their thoughts. "

---- Rhona Houseman

You've Inspired Hidden Poets

" My classes have entered your poetry competition for the last four years. I am thrilled as well as our school, that numerous students' entries have been published. New in-coming sixth graders look forward to entering your contest each year. You have truly inspired many hidden poets in our town. My classes really enjoyed entering your competition and continue to write poems throughout the year, as a result. We hope to continue to work with you in the future. "

---- Christina Olague

Incentive to Do Their Best

" Enclosed are my students' different forms of poetry for your super contest! This is the third year that I have entered my language and creative writing fifth grade classes in this contest. Everyone needs an incentive to do their very best. When I found about Creative Communication's poetry contests, I knew this was a great way to give an incentive and help my students enjoy poetry. They even ask if they can write different poems of many subjects! Wow! "

---- Sue Cassidy

Your Provide an Outlet for Expression

" I would like to thank you for providing the opportunity and the motivation for my students to express themselves poetically. We have had numerous winners over the last few years, and each new year the classes truly enjoy reading published poems written by "real" people they know. Boys as well as girls take the poetry unit and this writing exercise very seriously. I'm proud of the students' work being submitted. Just the thought of their poems possibly being selected has generated a real excitement within the class. Thank you again for sponsoring this contest and providing an outlet for these students to express themselves in a way, which is not always considered "cool." "

---- Lorraine Behrens

Writing Dreams Affirmed

" Thank you very much for all the wonderful writing opportunities that your company has provided for my students over the last three years. Many of my students have had their writing dreams affirmed and realized after being published in your anthologies. "

---- LaVona Cerna

Interest in Writing Has Doubled

" As a retired teacher who placed much emphasis on written communication with my classes in junior and senior English, I thought you might be interested in the good incentive your contests are adding to the classes of today. My teacher friend says the interest has doubled and trebled in written expression in her classes â and with other students and teachers making inquiries. I hope this letter of commendation is not too long. I merely felt you might enjoy the story of how one school is reacting to your "creative communication" stimulus. My heartiest congratulation! "

---- Barbara Sampson

Hearts and Souls into Poetry

" For two weeks, students interviewed at least one senior citizen. Many of them decided to get oral histories from grandparents, aunts, or uncles. Our final event was a poetry presentation to which the parents and senior citizens were invited. My classroom was crowded! It was such a meaningful, emotional, and memorable experience as each student read his/her poem and presented a copy to the interviewee. There were many tears as well as applause because the students put their hearts and souls into their poetry. This project was made possible because of your grant. Many people are grateful for your interest in developing the love of poetry in young people, and continue to express their appreciation for the anthologies you publish and the programs you support. I have participated in your contests for four years now, and will continue to do so as long as I am teaching. Thank you for encouraging and inspiring young people to express themselves in the beautiful language of poetry. "

---- Jackie H. Stanley

Students Feel Important and Build Self-esteem

" Again, I wanted to let you know what a thrill it is for my students to receive notification that their poem will be published! It is not their teacher, parent, relative, or friend that appreciated their poem and picked it for publication. It is a complete stranger who resides in Utah. Thank you for making my students feel important and building their self esteem. I wanted to share the story of one of my last year's students. At the end of the year, I ask each student to reflect on how he/she has grown as a poet this year. One student wrote that he had received a "trophy". After reading his reflection, I talked to him and asked him to tell me about the trophy. He proudly announced that he had his poem published but because of money problems at home, his parents could not afford a copy of Celebration of Young Poets. One day when this student arrived home after school, his father presented him with a copy of the book containing his published poem. This student was so proud that he considers this his "trophy." Thank you again for this fantastic opportunity. "

---- Constance Arlander

<<<1234567>>>