MOULTRIE, Ga. — Students at the Colquitt County Achievement Center learned all about the world of spoken word poetry on Feb. 28.

Phil Kaye, an internationally known spoken word poet, started the day with a performance of his original poetry.

Kaye, originally from California, now resides in New York City and has performed his poems all over the U.S. and in 15 other countries. His work has been viewed millions of times online and featured in settings ranging from NPR to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. He has performed on stages including the National Poetry Slam Finals and the opening for His Holiness The Dalai Lama for the celebration of his 80th birthday … and now in Colquitt County.

This was a completely new experience for many. Few people in the room were familiar with spoken word prior to Kaye’s performance.

Achievement Center Principal Darius Dawson shared, “Often change is frightening, but our students at the Achievement Center were given the chance to witness Mr. Phil Kaye and to take part in spoken word exercises that will give them an opportunity to develop alternative ways to express themselves and to improve the way they deal with difficult situations.”

After his performance, Kaye worked directly with the students in a workshop setting. Each student received a writing journal to begin their spoken word journey. Kaye carefully guided students through the process of recording memories and using sensory details to bring them back to life in the form of spoken word poetry.

Students volunteered to read their work. Eleventh grader Thomas Kendrick Jr. wrote, “… She reminds me of my mother, a strong, encouraging woman … Her voice is smoother than an ocean breeze …”

 Teachers and interventionist coach Thad Brown, worked closely with the students throughout the workshop.

“I think that the process of spoken word poetry is an untapped outlet that allows the students an opportunity to express their feelings, rather than acting out on them,” Brown said.

Lois Moon, Achievement Center teacher, plans to continue the work that was started with Kaye.

“Our students were extremely impressed by Phillip Kaye,” she said. “For most of them, this was the first time they had ever heard poetry performed. During the workshop, students were clearly delighted with what Mr. Kaye helped them express in writing. They are eager to continue exploring these techniques.”

You can learn more about Phil Kaye and his organization Project VOICE by visiting www.projectvoice.co. For more information on the Spoken Word initiative in Colquitt County Schools or to find out how you can help, contact Dr. Tabathia Baldy, director of response to intervention and Positive Behavioral Interventions/Supports at tabathia.baldy@colquitt.k12.ga.us.