English Language Arts

Amherst Regional Middle School

On April 7, 2010, ARMS seventh graders had a chance to meet renowned poet Naomi Shihab Nye. Prior to her visit, all 7th grade students had the opportunity to read and discuss Habibi, Ms. Nye's poetic and semi-autobiographical novel of a young Arab-American girl who, with her family, moves to Jerusalem. In this place, surrounded by unfamiliar conflicts and culture she is able to discover a great deal about herself.

Ms. Nye enchanted her 7th grade audience in an assembly, where she shared stories of her life, details about the writing of the novel, and a great deal about the craft of being a writer. Later she ran a wonderful creative writing workshop for a smaller group of interested 7th grade writers, encouraging them to notice details throughout their days and to write daily in a notebook. Finally, the Family School Partnership, along with parents, students, and teachers ate a fantastic potluck luncheon with Ms. Nye.

About her visit, Ms. Nye said, to feel a genuine part of Amherst MS in one short morning was a great gift to a wandering writer. The students and teachers embodied an unusual and generous level of thoughtful preparation, care for a text, interest, enthusiasm, and imagination. I was touched by their warmth as well as vigor, and the students in the writing workshop demonstrated an unusual level of ability and possibility -- stunning writing occurred in a very short time! Teachers were unusually receptive and responsive. Also, I can't remember any other school taking the time to host a potluck luncheon open to teachers, parents, and students -- it felt as if we were already family. I want to come back! With gratitude and respect for the positive atmosphere you have created there, Naomi Shihab Nye (San Antonio, Texas)

It was a wonderful visit and chance to meet a truly captivating writer. We are grateful to the ARMS Family School Partnership for the generous funding of this event through their Scholars-in-Residence program.

Student Poems from the 4/7/10 Writing Workshop with Naomi Shihab Nye