Last week we had our second ever Chirp Café, sponsored by our literary magazine, The Beekman 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. It encourages students to engage the literary arts: Students don’t 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. They get practice in public speaking: So many of our students are nervous about appearing in front of groups. I’ve had students melt down over a five-minute presentation. Some of the kids with the worst stage fright have participated in our Chirp Café, and it was transformative for their confidence.
3. 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 Café event before the year is over, and to continue to develop even more opportunities for student engagement next year. Stay tuned for more Café, and a new series in philosophical thinking!