The English Writing and Communication Centre (EWCC) of the English Language Centre (ELC) recently hosted the Poetry and Peace Workshop, an inspiring event celebrating both World Poetry Day and the International Day of Happiness. The workshop took place on March 26th and saw the participation of 15 students, all eager to explore the role of poetry in fostering inner peace and happiness.

[Students were given introductions to the five types of poetry]

The workshop focused on enhancing students’ creative writing and speaking skills through the exploration of five distinct types of poetry. The event was organized around five interactive stations, each dedicated to a specific poetic form: Haikus, Limericks, Couplet, Acrostics, and Cinquain. At each station, students engaged in hands-on activities that allowed them to analyze examples, discuss their structures, and practice writing their own poems.

At each of the five stations, students were guided through the poetic forms:

  • Haikus (5-7-5 syllables): Students learned how to express fleeting moments and peaceful imagery through this short, structured form.
  • Limericks (AABBA rhyme): This lighthearted and humorous form was explored, encouraging students to find joy and laughter through rhythm and rhyme.
  • Couplet: Students practiced to express a complete idea using only two lines, with a similar rhythm.
  • Acrostics: A creative exercise that invited students to use their names or words related to peace to form poems.
  • Cinquain: Students expressed their ideas towards a specific subject using the five lines poems.

As students moved between the stations, they were given the opportunity to write their own poems inspired by themes of happiness, inner peace, and global harmony. Soft music played in the background, helping to foster a relaxing environment for creativity.

 

[Students moved around to explore different poetry types in 5 interactive stations]

[Students share their poems and top three poets were voted by all participants]

This event not only helped students improve their English creative writing skills but also encouraged them to express abstract concepts such as peace and happiness through poetry. The positive feedback from participants highlighted the value of using poetry as a tool for self-expression and community building. EWCC is excited to continue offering such engaging, creative, and educational opportunities for students in the future.