WAYMO Workshops
Throughout 2022, I have been visiting local primary schools to talk about poetry. I call these “WAYMO Workshops” because they include readings from my medical poetry book, What Are You Made Of? (“WAYMO”).
Workshops are 45-60 minutes long. As a medical student passionate about improving health literacy, I get pupils to discuss ways of staying healthy and link these to the messages in my poetry book. We then discuss what makes something a poem, why people write poetry, and have an opportunity for Q&A. Pupils produce their own poetry together and as individuals. Most workshops also incorporate a poetry competition.
WAYMO workshops occur at no costs to schools, and all resources are provided. These have been funded through a Blackbird Foundation Protostars Season 2 microgrant and more recently, through the MAS Foundation ‘Here For Good’ Scholarship.
For more images, visit gallery.
If you are a teacher, and would like to get in touch about having a WAYMO workshop run for your class, email [email protected]
I have also facilitated workshops for the University of Auckland Poetry Club on topics such as writing children’s poetry. I am happy to be approached for poetry workshops for older students and adults.
Testimonials
Loredana’s book was a great hit with the students of our school. They loved the pictures and poems that presented scientific information in such an accessible way. The students enjoyed writing their own group poem and were surprised at the results of their teamwork. Some were even inspired to start writing their own poems! Overall, we had such a great time when Loredana came to visit our school. Her workshop was engaging and inspiring for the students. We would certainly welcome her back!
M. – school librarian
Loredana has run poetry writing workshops at our school. She shared her own poems and talked about how she came to publish her own poetry book. She talked about what inspired her and what got her into writing poetry. Our children were hooked in and engaged in writing their own poems together with Loredana.
Loredana is a great role model and is so enthusiastic about writing.
D. – deputy principal