Mrs. Bills’ Senior English classes at Paris High School recently wrapped up an exciting and transformative poetry unit that began in mid-March. What started as an exploration of traditional poetry blossomed into a powerful journey of self-expression and creative performance.
Throughout the unit, students dove into various poetic forms — from sonnets and odes to haikus and narrative poems. They studied classic voices like William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, and Robert Frost, all while learning essential literary elements such as rhyme scheme, meter, figurative language, symbolism, and tone.
As the unit progressed, the focus shifted toward the evolution of poetry, with a spotlight on the growing influence of Slam Poetry. Students analyzed the shift from structured verse to raw, personal storytelling by examining the work of modern spoken-word artists including Rudy Francisco, Sarah Kay, and Prince Ea. This comparison deepened their understanding of how poetry continues to evolve as a form of cultural expression and emotional release.
To culminate the unit, Mrs. Bills challenged her students to craft and perform original Slam Poetry pieces. With topics ranging from identity and mental health to social justice and personal triumphs, the students bravely stepped into the spotlight during classroom Open Mic sessions. Parents, peers, and teachers were invited to attend, creating a supportive and inspiring atmosphere for students to share their voices.
“This unit wasn’t just about teaching poetry — it was about helping students find their voice, appreciate different styles of expression, and realize the power of words,” said Mrs. Bills. “Watching them grow as writers and performers has been the highlight of my year.”
What began as a literature unit ended as a celebration of courage, creativity, and connection — leaving a lasting impression on the students of Paris High School.
