90 Ways of Community: Nurturing Safe & Inclusive Classrooms Writing One Poem at a Time

A practical guide to writing poetry for grades 7-12. A free digital version is available at www.ethicalela.com/store

Unlock the transformative power of poetry in your classroom with 90 Ways of Community. This indispensable resource guides teachers through a year-long journey of poetic engagement, fostering a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and heard. Grounded in social emotional learning and trauma-informed pedagogy, the authors provide practical, adaptable lessons that seamlessly integrate poetry writing into any curriculum.

With a clear framework developed by experienced educators, 90 Ways of Community is designed for teachers at all levels, from novices to veterans. Each chapter begins with a heartfelt “Dear Teacher” letter, offering context and support, while thematic clusters of prompts inspire creativity and connection. The book covers a wide range of topics, from celebrating individuality to extending community and healing through poetic expression.

The authors draw on real classroom experiences and the collective wisdom of a community of teacher-poets. 90 Ways of Community is more than a collection of prompts–it’s a roadmap to building a classroom culture where poetry becomes a vital tool for learning and growth. Join us in nurturing the hearts and minds of students, one poem at a time.