I was so excited to plan an amazing activity with my kids this week. They spent an entire week discussing and learning about poetry and they focused their energy on writing their very own poems. This was a chance to show their creativity and explore the endless possibilities of writing. I wanted to find a way to showcase their work and allow them to display and be proud of it. So I suggested that we have a mock coffee house poetry reading, which turned into the cocoa house poetry slam. I brought in hot cocoa and cookies and the students read their poetry aloud to their classmates as well as a few special guests. It was important that the students be able to have fun and enjoy learning, but in the back of my mind there was a purpose greater than that. The area I teach in is a high poverty area. I have 2 students who are homeless, and many others who enjoy their ONLY meals a day at school Monday through Friday. I look back to a book we read last semester called Nickel and Dimed. A book about the harsh economy we live in and the struggle of most poverty level families. This reminded me of how I have to consider in teaching the way my students live and be aware of ways that I can enhance their educational experience in ways that also enrich and bless their lives. I brought food, so that they could take a snack home, just in case they don't get to eat dinner. I brought hot cocoa, because they may have not ever had the opportunity to enjoy it. I created an environment of community and caring, where they could share their feelings through poetry and enjoy the pleasure of each others company. What I didn't expect to happen was me learning so much about my students. They really dug deep, writing poems about their home life, their friends, their fears. I was so proud of my kiddos and so blessed by this experience. I feel like I know them better now than ever and I have made a bulletin board in the hallway to showcase all of their hard work. What an amazing experience and an amazing opportunity to take learning to a whole new level.