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The ability to relate and to connect, sometimes in odd and yet striking fashion, lies at the very heart of any creative use of the mind, no matter in what field or discipline. —George J. Seidel

This is in essence the benefit of writing poetry: it helps students to think creatively by using language to surprise, delight, and move. This ability to think creatively has far-reaching benefits to students: it’s not only writing beautiful metaphors—it’s discovering that creative solutions to problems often come to us when we give ourselves permission “to relate and to connect” in startling and original ways.
     From years of experience, I know how to unleash creative language in teens–and to have fun in the process, using a series of poetry-writing games. It’s always refreshing to see the initial trepidation that some students feel about writing poetry dissolve as they have fun with the games and take pride in their strange and wonderful creations!
     If you are a Toronto secondary school teacher, librarian-teacher, or principal who would like to explore ways to incorporate River of Words at your school, contact me at