Field Trip Spotlight: Poetry Navigators by Ellen Fee

Do poems have the power to cheer up the gloomy, grumpy Captain? That’s what first and second grade classes are trying to figure out in 826 MSP’s newest field trip, Poetry Navigators.

The Poetry Navigators Field Trip combines the basics of poetry and socioemotional learning. After receiving a call from our magical, mythical Captain—sad and lonely down in their submarine—students are given the mission to brighten the Captain’s day with poetry prompts that reflect on those who love and support us, what we’re thankful for, and how to name and process our emotions in creative ways.

The field trip also aims to connect students to the work of real poets who reflect their diverse backgrounds and cultures. After reading the bilingual poem “Gracias/Thanks” by Pat Mora, students write their own thankfulness poems and are encouraged to include words from the languages they speak.

These first-time poets also read an excerpt of the Nikki Giovanni poem “I Am A Mirror,” a powerful piece that honors the family members and ancestors that made us into the people we are today.

I am a mirror

I reflect the teachings 

of my mom

the silliness, kindness, 

and smartness

of my dad 

and the hugs

from my sister.

by Sabra

At the end of the field trip, students are called one-by-one up to the special “author chair” to hear the Captain compliment their work. For students and teachers, this is often the most special moment of the whole day. 

After the trip is over, 826 MSP staff, interns, and volunteers work to compile, print, and bind the students’ poems into a personalized anthology for their class. Staff drops the completed books off at the school so students can take their poems home and share with their friends and family.

Poetry Navigators Field Trips are open for teachers to sign up for spring 2023! Fill out a field trip request form here. Questions? Email ellen@826msp.org.

This work is funded in part by the Minnesota Humanities Center with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.