Wednesday, May 5th 2021, 7:26 pm
Poetry and Chill was started in 2017 by Gregory II, as an event for local poets to showcase their talents. The venue is now impacting schools all over the city.
A total of 14 schools totaling about one 1,000 kids every week.
“So, we are in the Mid-Del district, Oklahoma City district, Putnam City district, and also the homeless centers and private schools as well.” Gregory said.
Gregory calls it a literary seminar that was started as an after-school program. Now that curriculum is being taught as a class.
Even though Gregory is a poet and rapper, he said this isn’t a talent class. He does include poetry, rap, and music, but this is more about taking school material and translating it into a language the kids can understand.
“So, we are working with English teachers, social studies teachers, history, art, and music teachers,” Gregory said. “We come in and do a 6-week program with the students.”
The material kids reject from teachers, like Shakespeare and math, is now being taught in their language and the kids are loving it. And so are the teachers.
“We’re working on their communication skills, their reading and writing skills, and how to express themselves and a safe zone to do it in,” Gregory said.
Gregory doesn’t see himself as a teacher, he’s more of a communicator, and he’s able to use those skills to help kids.
The curriculum has surpassed any of his expectations. In fact, he is already contracted for more school districts and even some outside the state.
For more information about Poetry and Chill OKC, click here.
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