Teachers and Writers: Join the Letters to Obama Poetry Project

The Letters to Obama Poetry Project was inspired by poems written by students in Detroit, Michigan as part of the InsideOut Literary Arts Project. The idea is simple and fun: Have your students write “Letters to Obama” poems around inauguration time. Then, add a twist or two:

-Send the poems to the White House with a letter thanking President Obama for his support of the arts and arts education

-Hold a student reading or arrange for a display of student poems

-Or come up with other creative ideas to ensure our young people’s messages to this historic president are read and heard!

If you would like to participate, email letterstoobama@yahoo.com for a resource kit that contains:

-Writing prompts
-Model poems (below)
-Sample letter to the White House
-Sample press release
-Publication/display ideas

Even if you don’t need a resource kit, please send an email if you plan to participate to help document. Please feel free to spread this post far and wide.

Advice to our Next President

Never start drama.
We voted for you because
we believe in you..
Don't forget to not put
pressure on yourself.
Be sure to be ready
to be president. When
you answer the phone
you can say, This is
the Obama residence.
Are you going to be
ready for all of this?
Are you going to try
to be better than
those other cats?

-- Dishuna, 4th grade, Detroit

Advice to the Next President

Always help the homeless.
Watch out for pointy hats.
Remember to share cucumbers.
Give the rich to the poor.
Keep your shoe out of your ear.
Follow your instincts.
Don't help half of the world.
Help all of the world.
Don't bail on us.
Stay strong.
Love the people.
Make this a new world.

-- Talandra, 5th Grade, Detroit