My poetry workshop is popular with teachers and students alike. It is a rare child who does not complete a poem with pride and enthusiasm by the end of the workshop.

BOCES Approved -- All four Learning Standards are fulfilled

"Irene O'Garden is a master teaching artist whose creative use of poetry theatre techniques inspires students to achieve at their highest level. Ms. O'Garden's workshops are filled with intelligence, warmth, humor and learning." -- Sunna Rasch, Executive Director, Periwinkle National Theatre

"Irene O'Garden is a brilliant poet and teacher of poetry. She is also a mesmerizing performer. She teaches children to listen to poetry, discuss it and write it. When she dramatically reads the children's own creations, the children are thrilled and filled with pride." -- Jean Marzollo, author of 100 children's books, including the popular "I Spy" series

"Irene is both a wonderful poet and a gifted performer. My students were completely captivated by her and even the most reluctant writer was inspired to join in the group writing session. We all had a great time!" -- Ann Strohmeier, Trinity School, NYC

My presentation is easily adaptable for grades 1-5. During a typical visit, I will read from my engaging collection Voices of Animals, display my published and handmade books, and answer questions about all aspects of writing and publishing. Students then write their own poems, using my animal poems as inspiration.

A unique feature of my workshop is the Grand Finale. With gusto, I read each child's freshly minted poem to the classroom. This creates tremendous delight and pride in the young writers.

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