Last week we had our second ever Chirp Caf茅, sponsored by our literary magazine, The 91国产自拍 Chirp. This event was even more successful than the last, with a bigger turnout of spectators and participants. Folks were sitting high up in the stairwell and packed into the study hall on the second floor. Students shared poems about friendship, heartbreak, joy, and even eating. Here are some reasons why these events are great for students and the school:
1.聽聽聽聽 It encourages students to engage the literary arts: Students don鈥檛 always understand why they learn literature in school. Why would they want to learn about people who never existed, or read poems that make no sense to them? By making them the poets and storytellers, students begin to understand the value of the literary arts as a means of expression and communication. If the raucous applause after each reading is any indication, they are succeeding!
2.聽聽聽聽 They get practice in public speaking: So many of our students are nervous about appearing in front of groups. I鈥檝e had students melt down over a five-minute presentation. Some of the kids with the worst stage fright have participated in our Chirp Caf茅, and it was transformative for their confidence.
3.聽聽聽聽 It develops community building: Adolescents are often social with their friends, but may insulate themselves from their larger peer group. By participating in the Chirp, or by coming to see their friends perform, they get to meet other kids and possibly bond over a common experience that is highlighted by a poem that was read. Creating stronger interpersonal bonds helps kids to see the value of their community, and to work harder to maintain it.
We hope to have one more Chirp Caf茅 event before the year is over, and to continue to develop even more opportunities for student engagement next year. Stay tuned for more Caf茅, and a new series in philosophical thinking!