Language Arts Programs for Schools
Rhonda working with fourth graders
Rhonda has been writing poetry and short prose since 1992 and has three published books. She has also made a living as a self-employed writer and editor since 1986, and has years of experience as a teaching artist. All of that experience can be brought to your classroom in the following programs:
Poetry and Its Delivery (Grades 3 through 12)
In this multi-session program, students generate poetry and short prose and learn how to share it with an audience in a powerful, effective way. A variety of exercises allows students to tap their memories, senses, innate playfulness, and imaginations to produce engaging work. The sessions culminate in a public reading, and can include the production of a classroom anthology.
Haiku and You (Grades 3 through 6)
After a quick introduction to haiku and reading some examples, Rhonda reviews how to count syllables and use all your senses. Students learn the basic structure of 5-7-5 syllables, and are given several different exercises/formulas they can use to create their own haiku. Students write and volunteers read their creations out loud to the rest of the class while everyone counts syllables together. All students will be haiku writers within an hour!
Storytelling Basics (Pre-K thorugh 12)
Exploring age-appropriate exercises, students learn to improvisationally create stories together. We engage the senses, tap memories, and playfully ignite imaginations while working collaboratively. In a multi-session program, team storytelling can lead to individual story creation.
Custom-Designed Program (Pre-K thorugh 12)
What are your language arts learning objectives? Let'd develop a program to address them together.
"Rhonda Morton visited my classroom to introduce the Japanese form of poetry called haiku. Rhonda's approach to haiku was unique and inspirational. The students were eager to write as noted by their enthusiasm and their willingness to share. I, too, came away from the experience with ideas that I will use in the future."
- Jeanne Gridley
Fourth Grade Teacher
Chemung Elementary School, Chemung, NY
Contact Rhonda with your ideas! Funding for arts in education programs is available in New York State through Local Capacity Building grants.