Poet Makes Writing Poetry Fun In Minetto

October 6, 2011 Contributor
MINETTO, NY – Poet Rachel Guido deVries has been a “guest” of the Oswego City School District for nearly 20 years.

However, when this “guest” leaves she leaves behind a gift for all students she came into contact with…a love of poetry.

Minetto fifth grader Connor Pratt reads his poetry piece to the gathering of other fifth graders, teachers, parents and grandparents.
Minetto fifth grader Connor Pratt reads his poetry piece to the gathering of other fifth graders, teachers, parents and grandparents.

Recently, the fifth grade students at the Minetto Elementary School had the opportunity to spend a week with the gifted writer. Her work with the students always culminates with a reading by the students.

Prior to the start of the final reading, Guido deVries told the gathered parents and grandparents, “You will be shocked by some of the ideas expressed by the students. However, this is a wonderful experience.”

Continuing she said, “The school district is committed and students and faculty are engaged in this program. Many schools that I attend won’t do the readings at the completion of the project. However, the support of Oswego parents, families, teachers and administration is amazing. I think Oswego has provided more poetry readings than any other community has.”

Minetto fifth graders were quite interested in the work of their classmates as Josh Clyne and Bella Thorpe were extremely interested in the poetry readings.
<p>Minetto fifth graders were quite interested in the work of their classmates as Josh Clyne and Bella Thorpe were extremely interested in the poetry readings.</p>

In preparation for the students’ presentation she warned, “You might want to take out your tissues now.”

The variety of poems are interesting and unique.

The Minetto fifth graders brought laughs telling about the tickle monster, big sisters, little brothers, best friends, the green bean monster or “how to be cool.”

However, emotions were stressed when reflecting on togetherness, an absent parent, grandparents who had passed away or a lost pet.

Some students expressed their inner self and presented in-depth poems about their personality, wishes, and desires.

Students who might have had little or no interest in poetry at the beginning of the week created memorable pieces of writing and discovered a new experience.

Rachel Guido deVries has been a regular fixture in Oswego schools for nearly two decades. She brings her love of poetry to schools throughout Central New York, but enjoys her visits to Oswego.
Rachel Guido deVries has been a regular fixture in Oswego schools for nearly two decades. She brings her love of poetry to schools throughout Central New York, but enjoys her visits to Oswego.

For youngsters who enjoyed writing it provided an outlet not only to write, but also to read their work to students and adults.

Guido deVries brings an eye-opening experience to Oswego’s youngsters. She is able to pass along her love of writing poetry. She always provides some of her own works about the classes she is working with and other outstanding pieces. However, her main purpose is to spark a love of writing poetry to school age children to provide them with an outlet for creativity and expression.

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