This book includes students' slam poetry in written, performance, and visual expression. 

Their thoughts, feelings, and convictions are passionate, individual, collective, and are calls to action.

T

Grade Six Slam

Slam poem by Ellianna &lt;3

Peace and fairity&nbsp;

A single drop of water can ripple a long way filled with peace around the world but the ripple will no longer last forever as for some day it will end. &nbsp;And restart once again in hopes that it will last, sending peace and happiness to whoever amongst it.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;After a while&nbsp; that ripple will not end. Destroying war and racism with it. &nbsp;&nbsp;But here I am listening to heart breaking stories and fear from OUR peers, I sit here in silence hoping someday it will all end.&nbsp; We need to stop this trend and accept people for who they are, not what they look like or where they're from.&nbsp; &nbsp;One day we will all feel welcomed by everyone that passes. I anticipate that one day my dream of a peaceful world will come.&nbsp; -Ellianna Presley

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&nbsp;Life and It’s Problems &nbsp;By a weird short kid named Haven&nbsp; ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~&nbsp;&nbsp; There is no longer respect. Life is bizarre. Children are overwhelmed. These times are unbearably disappointing.&nbsp; People are hurting, no one is helping. I am concerned, people have turned. There’s too much negativity. People are lacking confidence.&nbsp;&nbsp; People aren't safe covid 19. I hope we aren't stuck in this endless quarantine.

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White, black, brown or tan we're all the same.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We all have a name and we’re all people. We all have skeletons, skin and souls. What makes us different? COLOUR Is it fair is it just that Color changes rights? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is it fair is it just that Color changes privilege? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NO Injustice tastes bitter, smells wrong, and feels rough but we can change&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Injustice One Colour on its own can be plain. One person can be beautiful but… Multiple people united is as beautiful as a rainbow. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As beautiful as peace.&nbsp; Colour is a simple part of you, a part of you that is permanently beautiful. .

So Love It. Love your Colour, your Voice, and your Race. Love it no matter what you face. YOU ARE YOU SO MAKE THE CHOICE TO LOVE YOURSELF.

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by:Maya 2020-2021

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BECK. Un7173Ld 1ts a catastrophic day. The truth is. You can't, no you can't think about. Nothing. You know why you can't think of nothing. Its cause there's always.&nbsp; SOMETHING SOMEONE SOMEWHERE. Now be brave enough to be something. Now be brave enough to be someone. Now be brave enough to create and recreate that somewhere. The first site at light The first fight that's right. And know were fighting for earth and hearth. &nbsp;So if you Be beside someone.&nbsp; Compliment someone. Respect someone. Love someone. They do it back. That single unpleasant word called hate.

That is something that can drive to do better. That does not mean going and hating everyone. In life what seems to be right at one point is WRONG the next. As you move on. to that space where light couldn't reach. we realize how I know where you stand. And you do to you have now set that light. And as life goes on others take your place. You've thwarted the wrong that was once right. Or the evil that is known good. Not by battle but by help, justice, empathy, kindness and teamwork. Know that catastrophic day has turned into the most remarkable day. Of Your life.

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Every single person on this planet will eventually have one very important thing in common, a passion. You see, passion is the burning and blazing light inside of you, it's who and what you’re meant to be.&nbsp;If you destroy your passion, it's as if the fire of the candle just disappeared.&nbsp;Passion is like fire to a candle but without the fire, there’s no candle, there’s no light or purpose.&nbsp;Passion will always be inside of you once you find one, the moment you find one and throughout the rest of your whole life unless, unless you decide to destroy your passion and purpose. It's like a bird freely gliding through the air throughout its whole life until it crashes.

Once you have a passion for something, you will infinitely always be dedicated to achieve it like water flowing in a stream. Passion grasps onto you on your adventurous journey, dangles and swerves around obstacles and tries its best to prevent&nbsp;you from giving up, for you to become what you desire and it will only, only detache if you just want to give up.&nbsp;You see, a passion comes with every single human being on this earth but it might not be there at the end. Even the slightest spark of light can turn into a giant fire with a big passion.

If you think you don't have a passion, You have one,&nbsp;just get a shovel and start digging. After a period of digging, you'll find the perfect set up to make a fire. Now it will be your turn to light up your passion. Once you light it,&nbsp; it will shine at its brightest form. It will be a light strong enough to blind you. A light strong enough to scorch you alive. A light strong enough to be your passion. Let your passion shine in the darkness, don't be afraid, there is always a light, beyond the darkness.

There is only one chance, one life.&nbsp; We all have a voice. We just have to use it.&nbsp; Being smart and knowing everything are two different things.&nbsp; Knowing is like knowing facts, whereas being smart is knowing when to use them.&nbsp; You must pay attention to what you do, for it is not just where you come from, your&nbsp; religion, your heritage, that make you remembered, it’s your actions that define you.&nbsp; Remember, you can only control yourself, not others, so do it wisely!&nbsp; Speak only after thought, don’t let anger get to you!&nbsp; Do not let yourself be controlled.&nbsp; Everyone deserves a choice. Everyone deserves&nbsp; Peace.&nbsp; Do what you feel is right.&nbsp; It doesn't matter if others think that&nbsp; that right is wrong. Follow your instinct. Succeed. If you want to be remembered in a good way, try hard to achieve that. Treat others not how you want to be treated, but how they want to be treated. No one is the same. You are not telepathic, you don’t know what others are thinking so&nbsp; don’t expect everyone to always agree with you! Everyone works differently. Unique. Kindness comes in waves, snowballing forever. You only have to start it. Keep the kindness chain going. It will make you feel good. Respect others. They will respect you.&nbsp; Control is key to life. Live.

Kirin's Slam

To the pollution in the air to the pollution in the water&nbsp; It will rise If we continue going Through it and not around it &nbsp;we will continue Taking this walk in this never ending&nbsp; Shade&nbsp; And we will never find&nbsp; Light&nbsp; We will never find&nbsp; Peace. We are thinking of the Possibilities and&nbsp; Not the&nbsp; Concerns&nbsp; which&nbsp;is the key to all the locks&nbsp; Which opens up to a new beginning because our time&nbsp; Is thinning.&nbsp; We need to feel the new beginning&nbsp; And pop out of our shells and&nbsp; Make our way to the ocean.

And I don’t want to scare you I want to Prepare you to Survive another day to eat another meal&nbsp; And to sleep another night. To the pollution in the air to the pollution in the water&nbsp; It shall not rise.

Grade Six Slam

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Boom! Went the thunder, rumbling in the sky. Flash! Went the lighting, singing with the thunder. Swish! Went the rain, dancing in the light. Zip! Went the umbrella of a water drenched child. Plip! Went the rain on the umbrella of the child. Crackle! Went the flames, dancing in the house. Zzzz! Went the man in the chair. Clack! Went the knitting needles. Sizzle! Went the pan on the stove. Yay! Went the worms in the puddle. A storm of many things, thoughts.&nbsp;A portal to a new world. A world where nothing matters, where everything is… Equal.

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One day We will touch freedom and we will live in peace &nbsp;One day Our children will not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character. When the day comes&nbsp; We will stop&nbsp; Questioning why, why do we care.&nbsp;&nbsp; Then&nbsp; Love Becomes our legacy We will all come out from the shadows unafraid. When the day comes little white boys and little white girls will hold hands with little black boys and little black girls like a family.&nbsp; So let’s stand tall for our sister and brothers who are suffering and not be afraid of being who you are.

Our problems in the world why did we have to do this to our precious world we only have one so take care of it&#160;

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I have a dream that We will leave the world better Than we found it&nbsp; And that we&nbsp; Do kind things for everyone.&nbsp; Not because of who they are&nbsp; Or what they do in return,&nbsp; But because of who you are.&nbsp; When you are kind to the world,&nbsp; The world will be kind to you,&nbsp; So be the change in the world.&nbsp; Let today be the day that you are GREATFULL&nbsp; For who you are and why you're here. Let today be the day you love yourself enough to&nbsp; No longer just dream of a better life, Let it be the day you act upon it.&nbsp; For once,&nbsp; Stop thanking yourself for how far you've come.&nbsp; Little by little,&nbsp; Day by day,&nbsp; What is meant for you will Find its way.&nbsp; Always be proud of who you are Because if you ever feel down,&nbsp; The happiness is not out there,&nbsp; It's in you. If you have the power to make someone happy,&nbsp; DO IT The world needs more of that.

Injustice Is it fair, for people not to care, when a man kills a man, INJUSTICE!! And when a man hurts another, just to see the tears of a father or mother, INJUSTICE!! How about when a man dies, for trying to protect his rights, with many witnesses in sight, is that justice? For a cold-hearted beast, to look upon a child and abuse the rights of being superior, is that justice?&nbsp; Think of it like this, in a land of such mist, to hear a sad story on the news, of&nbsp;how many beings are being missed. What a shame, they think it's a game, to hurt, bully, steal and do what they want to drive families insane, to retame, and sustain the feeling of pain. when It comes to the time of an innocent person, to take their own leap of faith, to set things straight. To put out there fist, and make that list, and understand that injustice is our only justice.

Peace is like freedom ringing from the peaks&nbsp;of the tallest mountains, to the depths of the oceans&nbsp; Like&nbsp;people caring for one another, and laying down their arms and reaching them out to one another, to form peace. Peace, the key to all the problems in the world, like birds gracefully chirping in the distance. Peace Close your eyes, listen to the wind, listen to the water, listen, to nature. You will find yourself in peace, in zen&nbsp; When there is hope there is success and then comes peace.

&nbsp;&nbsp;You see, once we bring our arms together then people will start to&nbsp;realize and emphasize the creation that has been made &nbsp;we will learn the power and effectiveness &nbsp;The true meaning and purpose of Peace&nbsp;. &nbsp;When we join are arms together and create peace between our countries &nbsp;&nbsp;We will stop the revolution and we&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;will start the reconstruction,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;we will reunite and be a fair and&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;equal world, that was once before peaceful &nbsp;If only we were brave enough to believe it If only we were brave enough, to achieve it

Hope By: Katie

Today's day is different than before. Some things greater, some things worse. Certain problems fixed, some problems made.&nbsp; We have learned to accept all colors, races, and languages as equal.&nbsp; &nbsp;should be proud of what we have come to accomplish, but we shall not forget the past.&nbsp; We have done so much, yet too little all at the same time. Some people gained, some people lost. &nbsp;We have even somehow fallen into the “norm” that how you look, what your social status is, and how much money you have will determine your success in life instead of the “norm” that who you are on the inside and how determined you are will determine your success in life. &nbsp;That the more money you have the more respect you have.&nbsp; &nbsp;That the family you grew up with and the color of your skin will determine how much bravery you have.&nbsp; That your social status will determine who you are on the inside and what your personality is. That the country you were born in determines how others will treat you. &nbsp;Even that the clothes you wear will determine your friendships.&nbsp; We have come to the idea that bravery, respect, success, friends, family, and other similar things are bought.&nbsp; But they aren’t, for they are earned. by Una

Ocean, the ocean is one of nature’s &nbsp;most beautiful places &nbsp;to be, you feel the cool, calm&nbsp; waves brush against your skin and you get &nbsp;to remember all the times you got to swim and play and splash as a little kid and it as a comforting soothing place where you can do anything and you feel “If there is magic on this planet, it&nbsp;is contained in water.”&nbsp; By: Damien

As we look up at the daft dim sky, in the dark cold night, through the thick tangled net of darkness, some will see the sliver of moonlight that is like a guardian angel. It leads on the way and protects us as we push through the tangled mess of darkness. With this moonlight we will prevail. Like love, the moonlight will guide us through this war of hate, it is what we live for, it is what we worship. And when day comes, we step out of the shade aflame and unafraid, for there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.&nbsp;

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Student Slam Poetry to Visual Expression Using a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M45BMRf-lBGfy5ISYL9KImKuqaUUiihoDI-rdlfOxzQ/edit?usp=sharing">brainstorm template </a>work from your poem, fill in the template if needed. Create! Ongoing and descriptive feedback throughout the process. Online gallery in book form: Students learned about Book Creator as a tool for presenting their work. This provided a platform to showcase work visually and in presentation form. Performance: Book Creator enabled students to present their slam poems. They could practice and perform with the choice of video or audio recording.&nbsp;

Assessment Book Creator provided an easy format to engage and assess student work. The process and product of writing, oral communication and media literacy were assessed with this project. As well as assessing their deep understanding through the analysis of their visual expressions. They were engaged in their learning, it was purposeful through the process and final product.

So we fight for rights, to stay alive because when the time finally comes, a person's motto is to fight. And a humble citizen takes a handle and dismantles the life of a criminal. is that justice Because in life they understand that injustice is their only justice, to be unjust to those who are unjust to them. Is that justice?&nbsp; But for there is always injustice. If only our eyes are wide enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to admit it. by Princess

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Grade 6 Slam Students @Meadowlands PS

POETRY Inspiration: Listen: Amanda Gorman's poem "The Hill We Climb" performed at President Joe Biden's Inauguration. Action: Highlight any key lines that are meaningful to you Select two and explain why Inspiration: Listen: Poems, songs, speeches. -Martin's Big Words -We Shall Overcome (song by Nimo Patel) -I Have a Dream speech Action: For each, pull some words and lines that you find powerful. Brainstorm (wrote down words and ideas that popped into our head)&nbsp; What came to mind when the following words were spoken: JUSTICE, FREEDOM, NON-VIOLENCE, INJUSTICE, HOPE, PEACE What does hope sound like? What does hope feel like? What does hope look like?

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Justice&nbsp; By Wesley &nbsp;Justice is not judging or disrespecting people because of the things that we can’t control.&nbsp; &nbsp;and by doing that, we are just reliving the past. From when Martin Luther King jr. was shot&nbsp;and killed just for protesting for his, &nbsp;and all the black community's rights &nbsp;to Derek Chauvin &nbsp;pressing his knee on George Floyd’s neck until he died.&nbsp; From this, we learned that quiet isn't always peace. &nbsp;The damaging, discrimination&nbsp; of&nbsp;doom &nbsp;Is swiping up innocent people right under our noses&nbsp; and it needs to stop. Justice will not lie in the blade but the bridges we’ve made.&nbsp;The whole point of justice is to keep the people of all races alive and well &nbsp;but all we are doing is the opposite. &nbsp;We are all different but we all have feelings, passions, love those are like the fire to our candles and to ruin that is a disgrace. &nbsp;Justice cannot always be found but if we dig deeper then it can be revealed, &nbsp;People of all races must unite and create a world of love and peace. &nbsp;That is justice.

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Mistakes By: Sierra Mistakes. Mistakes are something we all do from time to time. That’s why pencils have erasers.&nbsp; That’s also why we have so many things today.&nbsp; We went through so many mistakes, and we learned from them, and now we have so many things. Like: electronics, scientists, jobs, etc. We have never made 0 mistakes in life. No one is perfect. We all did something we were not proud of. But, we all learned from that thing we did. So that the next time we are in a situation like that, we will know exactly what to do or say. And we might make a second mistake. And maybe more. But sometime, we’ll know what to do or say.&nbsp; We will never stop learning. Making mistakes can be annoying, but we know that it’s ok and no one will make fun of us. The hill we climb is the hill we will make our greatest mistakes and learn the most from them.&nbsp;

Be yourself&nbsp; Be the new warmth in the old cold&nbsp; Be the joy you want to hold&nbsp; Be the peace you want to see&nbsp; Be the light that sets you free, Be yourself Be unique&nbsp; Be happy and&nbsp; BE FREE.&nbsp; When you step out into the world you're not leaving your past behind but making a new future for you and your community So be yourself When you’re challenge you are not set up to fail but set up do be challenged,&nbsp; And no more.&nbsp; SO BE YOURSELF. When someone resents you they are resenting who they think you are, not who you really are or what you become, they are resenting the fact that every human is different and that is what makes us all alike. SO BE YOURSELF. If the challenge is too difficult or the battle is too hard, then when you are done you will feel the sweet satisfactory of earned victory ringing in your ears and you will never forget who you are or where you come from. SO BE YOURSELF. The more you are yourself everyday the more that you are changing and empowering our future &nbsp;

Justice By: Myanna MacDonald I have a dream that one day we shall overcome&nbsp; all the racist&nbsp; and negative&nbsp; actions in the world. I have a dream that one day love will rise again! That we will all be equal,&nbsp; that everyone is respected &nbsp;and treated fairly. After all the things in the world that have been bad, we have learned that quiet is not always peace and that peace isn’t always quiet.&nbsp; Sometimes to heal the wound, We have to forgive the flame. Nobody has ever benefited from injustice. But Justice won't stay, It will fade and There will be something else we are fighting for.

We have to Persevere, Hope, Trust, And rise up for the people that are worth fighting for. Everybody Can be the same. Underneath our skin, We are all the same. We are all amazing! We choose our path of life. Life is like a willow and we can bend it right to our wind. What wind will we choose, Equality? Fairness? Justice? I have a dream that one day we will be judged by our characters&nbsp; not the color of our skin. Instead of calling out our enemies, We should call them in for a conversation. What will drive out hate? Love can drive out hate.&nbsp; Hate can not drive out hate. I have a dream that if we merge mercy with might &nbsp;and might with right,&nbsp; then love becomes our legacy. Love Over Hate. In the norms and notions Of what just is Isnt always Justice. I have a dream.

Hope is the item needed most Hope is more valuable than anything you can think Hope is like the sun&nbsp; Warm and bright We must find hope in this never ending shade of despair Hope is what sings the tune without words Hope supports us through our darkest hour&nbsp; Hope is the thing with feathers that will help us through our worst fear Hope will sustain us for as long as we live Hope will guide us&nbsp; It will save us from ourselves&nbsp; Hope is thorny but soft Rough but smooth&nbsp;

Slam poems were written by Meadowlands Public (the best school ever) School's grade sixes.

Hope is the feeling that lifts us up, And empowers us to change our world.

When there is nothing else, Hope is there to turn to.

We are the embodiment of hope. We are the vessels that carry it and keep it alive.

When we choose hope, we choose brightness and light.

Because hope is like a fire. It starts with a spark and can turn into a blaze.

And just like a fire, Hope cannot exist without being nurtured.

We need to keep hope alive To make sure it won’t burn out.

Inspiration: Poem HOPE by Jamaal Jackson Rogers - Ottawa Poet &amp; Students from York Street PS Action: Pull any lines that resonate with you. Learn about poetry process: Amanda Gorman talked about how she was inspired by many sources and would sit with lots of books and poems and songs and pull words and parts from different places. Students Create - Culminating task Create your own slam poem by taking some of the words and lines that you found to be powerful and combine them with some of your brainstorms and ideas. Create your own big words.

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Earth has never experienced a wave that would flood our planet, not fix it, but if it did, Then that wave&nbsp;would destroy our world if it could destroy hope. But when the wave covers the sun, very few can see through the wave and see the light. And those are the people that can be the light and spread the hope, even when they are covered by the darkest of darkness.&nbsp; then, hope will rise again.

Until this day we must fight against this injustice system &nbsp;until all men, all women are&nbsp; free. We must fight for the taste of dates, We must fight for the end of hate, We must fight for the music of the songs,&nbsp; and it must linger on To the next generation.

Hope By: Katie

Hope is when you are tired but keep pushing forward Hope is the voice of the people who have been silenced too long Hope is the wing to take you past your boundaries&nbsp; Hope is light as a feather soaring through the sky Hope is the warmth of a group around a glowing campfire Hope is the sound of people chorusing joyously&nbsp; Hope is love Hope is inclusion Hope is a modern remedy Hope is the healing of wounds, Ancient wounds

We must overcome to find hope Hope is love Hope can give you a fresh set of eyes To change our children's birthright When the day comes we must ask ourselves where can we find light in this never-ending shade? Hope is love, inclusion, healing, Always give hope And we shall overcome

"The question is no longer IF SEL improves academic performance, but rather HOW you are going to incorporate it into your teaching. Much research has proven the positive correlation between SEL instruction and increased academic achievement; click to see further details on&nbsp;<a href="https://selspace.ca/research-on-sel/">RESEARCH</a>." Source: SELspace website

The discussions, conversations and student reflections through this slam poetry project were all able to build upon social emotional learning awareness, knowledge, skills and mindset. By sharing this work to a broader audience, students are able to see how their actions can impact the world. This project embodies the 3 Pillars of OCDSB strategic plan for creating a culture of innovation, care and social responsibility.

This work was a collaborative project with the fabulous graduating class of: Grade 6 Students @ Meadowlands PS, their grade 6 Teacher and SELspace Creator Pam Parks &amp; Arts Instructional Coach Jennifer Boudewyn.

Hope Hope its something we all need. Something that makes think way more often. People hope for everything like planes and cars. But like most things it doesn't come true. But some things people should be hoping for that not everyone does. Like world peace ending world hunger equal rights and more. The one we're working on right now is racism and equal rights.&nbsp; Equal rights we seem to be putting on hold for now while we’re dialing down racism. BY:NICO

Thank you for reading, looking and listening!

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Slam poem Lennox &nbsp;&nbsp; What is a man who doesn’t care for one another? What is a man who purposely discriminates against one and another for no reason besides their skin. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How do you call yourself human if you’ve forgotten the way human beings&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Live. We lay our hands down for ones in need; we fight evil without getting consumed by it. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In society we hold hands with one and another.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not hatred. You can’t hold hands with a fist only with love, hope, and niceness. You have to help others who need it&nbsp; In the future you might need it&nbsp; You might be the very sole who you helped that day and how would you like to be treated as filth&nbsp; And they guide your life into a new chapter.&nbsp; All It takes is hope.&nbsp; For there is light in the never ending tunnel,&nbsp; but only if we're brave enough to see it,&nbsp; if only we're brave enough to see it. I hope one day this nation will rise up from it's creed, And a whole new nation will be born Where we help the ones in need, Where everyone could live in equity and freedom and author Their own chapter.

&nbsp;LOVE Love… a feeling so soft, yet so strong can feel so right and so wrong It can pick up you or bring you down Makes you smile, makes you frown. Love… can last forever or for a day, Makes you wanna run away or wanna stay, Can grow slowly or in a minute, Makes you feel included or leaves you feeling alone. Love… makes you happy or lose your mind, can make you see or makes you blind, in so many shapes and sizes. Love… has so many effects, can be so difficult and complex, But even when it’s whispered, love stays such a simple word that it can’t be misread. The flame of love is so true that a blade alone could not withdraw the power of two flames combined into a single flame. A blade of grass so weak and true yet can withhold a single drop of mountain dew. Only the blade of love can barricade the streak of a dark black shadow of hate. The wave of peace can only wash away the stormy wave of war if the shimmering power of light accepts a single shadow of darkness. In order to heal the burn of heartbreak first, we have to forgive the flame of love. All hearts like glass, when shattered, the pain like a heart being sliced in two, all hope feels hopeless until love blossom’s anew. When love betrays you, it seems impossible for love to rise again, but love will never fall forever it will always find a way through. It seems that there is no light, at this moment, But what seems true at one moment may not be true the next because even in total darkness there always is light. There is a key in your hand that unlocks a door of love, allowing you to let love into your life, all you have to do is choose to open your heart. Love is the strongest force on earth when it is true, but when it is not it will always fall through. One flame of love alone can light a thousand flames. There is a meadow filled with a million flowers that bloomed of the bright and true flame of love. The flame of love will burn bright and true for eternity.&nbsp;Even if we made the smallest change in the past, that can create an avalanche of problems for the future. It is plainly seen that a ridged shell of beauty can block the inner core flow of love. There’s a stream that flows right through all our hearts. It’s an endless stream of love and affection. The sounds of music and melody that makes our hearts bubble has been part of the music that love creates, this is why we have always had the power to love. We are lovers created by fate and destiny that is even more powerful than wealth.&nbsp;In all the times we have fought through the darkest nights, your love has been a shining light that has kept us on the right path. We’ll be the warriors to fight for our love; We’ll fly together, fly higher than the dove. We’ll be your wall and shield you from danger; we’ll take all the pains, for to us they are no stranger. Love shall be the queen in the kingdom of our hearts; love shall be our majesty—&nbsp;will serve you forever; And for all of the times, we will leave you never. Love is in our hearts every day. Love is forever because love is the destiny that we created. A life without love is no life at all. Love will guide us forever and leave us never we shall be together no matter the weather love will never fall forever it will rise again no matter what it will shine forever never shall it fade ever.&nbsp;

&nbsp;By: Grace

This book includes students' slam poetry in written, performance, and visual expression. Their thoughts, feelings, and convictions are passionate, individual, collective, and are calls to action. Their voice is both clear and powerful.

ARTWORK Students and staff pivoted to online learning before artwork was able to be created in person. The creation and materials for the artwork pivoted too, with digital creations providing an additional platform that would not have been as easily available in person. Online learning also allowed each student access to new and relevant technology tools for learning and creating.&nbsp; Learn/discover Look at and learn about abstract &amp; symbolic art - Art History&nbsp; Practice using a brainstorm template for creating an abstract symbolic work Students were inspired by the poem PACKING FOR THE FUTURE: INSTRUCTIONS Lorna Crozier&nbsp; Students used Jamboard as a creative tool for digital collage, or with traditional art materials available in a home based learning environment. Used the critical analysis process to interpret student creations.

What is Slam poetry? Slam poetry is performance poetry that combines the elements of performance, writing, and audience participation. It is performed at events called poetry slams, or slams. Today it is considered an artistic movement as well as a genre of poetry and spoken word.&nbsp;

Friends, family, class, school, city&nbsp;why do we care&nbsp; Why do we care about color, why do we care about what others look like.&nbsp; &nbsp;We should look past all of that and learn about the person underneath all that Why Do we care cause they look different why, why do we not care to welcome them We are all the same but we are different spirits. Take away are looks why, take away are skin why cause if we take away all that we will all be the same. &nbsp;There will be no difference between you me us.&nbsp; We are all&nbsp;sisters and brothers So why do we care?&nbsp; There is no reason to care,&nbsp; Everyone is different, No one is the same but we are all brothers and sisters&nbsp; Underneath.&nbsp;&nbsp; So why do we care about skin and looks why.

This is the process and product Meadowlands grade six students went through to bring forward their inspired words, their voice and calls to action, visual expression, and oral performances.

Friends are the people who build you up To be a skyscraper Friends are the people that lift you from your lowest points Friends are the people who make you&nbsp;feel good About yourself and everything you do Friends and the people that want to see you happy and joy full not sad and lonely Friends are people who would do anything for you Friends are the people that trust each other&nbsp; Friends are the people who see you as nothing less than amazing and they dont take you for granted.&nbsp; Friends are the people that you love&nbsp; And they love you.

Is it fair to watch someone suffer as you thrive? All the things we take for granted, all the things from others we deprive? Not sexuality, gender, or colour of skin, what really matters is the beauty within. A kind act can be as powerful as a sword, So kindness is something you should leap towards. You shouldn’t look at others as lesser, when in reality you are no better, Because in this world full of people, everyone should be considered an equal. Kindness is free, for you and for me, so is there really a reason to not share it? Because I know for a fact that you can spare it. Spread kindness, for it always comes back, spread kindness, for there is nothing more honourable than that. Even the smallest things have an impact, and others will react, your good deeds return to you, no matter how small the things you do. Treat others fairly, because even if it’s just barely, you will feel good too, so it’s something you really should do. Kindness is the cure to end all hate, you can start now, for it is never too late.

We used to be able to swim&nbsp; in the calm relaxing water&nbsp; be without a care in the world&nbsp; now its filled with junk and trash &nbsp;the place we called calm and reflect &nbsp;is now fog and unfiltered air &nbsp;the ocean is now a wasteland filled with plastic, oil, etc &nbsp;the animals who live in the ocean also die with the ocean &nbsp;every animal we know and love die cause of our mistakes when our beloved trees get chopped down &nbsp;&nbsp;people&nbsp;use the trees to make homes&nbsp; the homes pollute the air and we make animals die&nbsp; because of the lack of oxygen and loss of habitat&nbsp; and it's not just animals who suffer we humans do to So whoever is listening I need you to remember “ it's not just animals that suffer”&nbsp;&nbsp; after we got used to taking and making but the earth does not work like that but we were and nobody cared about it until it was almost too late.

Myanna Justice Poem Digital Collage 2021

Nature is a beautiful thing. If you listen, you can hear the birds sing, the trees whispering in the wind, the water rushing over rocks. You can see, if you&nbsp;choose to, the true meaning of life. You realize that Nature can cure&nbsp;all sadness, all loneliness, as well as create it. You will be able to&nbsp;smell the smell of fire, the smell of the sea, the smell of pine trees. You can feel the water licking your feet, the sand&nbsp;tickling your toes by the beach. In the autumn wind,&nbsp;the gently raked leaves dance across the street,&nbsp;free from the tree, free to explore the world.&nbsp;In a storm, you can see the Elements&nbsp;of nature dance happily across&nbsp;the sky. Sometimes they&nbsp;fight, but they all&nbsp;love and respect&nbsp;each other.&nbsp;They all need each other to survive.

I have a dream That today and tomorrow will always be better than before. I have a dream of hope. There is so much hate and negativity in the world; Not enough hope but there is alway hope. How will we find hope in this never-ending darkness? Hope, hope that the darkness will go away. I have a dream That people will smile in the thought of peace I have a dream of peace We learned that quiet and peace are two completely different things. To be quiet may be peaceful but it is not peace.

How will we find peace in this never-ending world? Peace, the thought of no war of differences. I have a dream&nbsp; That hope and peace will rise again I have a dream of hope and peace Peace and hope is not what is between us but what is before us Love your peace Love your hope Love you That is my dream What is yours? - Jessica

when I'm feeling blue all I can feel is sadness and all my emotions fill up till it get too fil and explodes when I'm feeling yellow all my negative emotion and thoughts disappear and I feel sunshine and happiness when i feel red all my anger shoots up and all my emotion is rage and my negative thoughts fill up and burst. when i feel grey my brain is telling my to do something but i get scared and I don't know what to do.

SEL, equity, community and identity are all embedded in the lessons and experiences that I invite students to engage with. Curriculum connections are able to be met while creating a caring, strength based, and collaborative community of learners; alongside current issues that are relevant and engaging for students.

Pam Parks - Grade 6 Teacher Meadowlands PS

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