Express Yourself 2: Connect and Create With Friends Over Classic Poetry & Art
Encourage your learner's creativity (art or poetry project), self-expression, and social-emotional skills as they build up their reading comprehension and knowledge of classic poets like Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost in a relaxed class!
Alaina Bell Gao
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(427)
Star Educator
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekAssessment
Since the major focus of this class is social-emotional skills, my feedback will be entirely positive with no spelling, grammar, or stylistic corrections. Yet, this type of class helps students learn to enjoy the creative process, which often leads to an increase in writing and overall improvement. Furthermore, I give suggestions as to how to begin, develop, and expand each work. I also draw attention to their stylistic choices as a poet and/or artist.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
⭐New learners are always welcome! ⭐This class is loved by diverse learners, including Autistic, persons with ADHD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia, people from around the world, ESL learners, fledgling writers, enthusiastic poets, those getting in touch with their emotions, persons who are self-aware, overwhelmed souls, calm souls, beginner artists, passionate artists, and many who are happy to make a new friend! ⭐Ask about sibling and friend discounts! ⭐Coupon codes below! ⭐34 new topics with classic poetry! ⭐Become familiar with famous poets! ⭐Intermediate and advanced English language (ESL) learners are welcome! ⭐Subscriptions renew every Sunday (like all ongoing classes.) ⭐Continue for as long as you want (and drop out when you need to.) ⭐Your encouraging messages and reviews help motivate me to continue creating new content! There are many ways to approach poetry, and this class focuses on reading comprehension and using poetry as inspiration for our own self-expression. Over time, learners will become confident in approaching poetry and in using poetry terminology like stanza and line, while gaining exposure to many famous poets like Emily Dickinson. Additionally, our focus is on social-emotional skills, especially emotional awareness and self-expression, and we will work through various aspects of our recent experiences to process our feelings in a relaxed and creative way. This class follows the same format as my extremely popular classes, "Express Yourself #2: Themed Topics, Fun Poetry & Social-Emotional Reflection" (formerly called "Journalling 2020/2021" and "Journalling #1: Expressing My Life & Emotions With Poetry/Art") and "Express Yourself #4: Themed Topics, Diverse Poetry & Social-Emotional Reflection" (formally called Journalling #3: Expressing My Life & Emotions With Poetry/Art"), but this one has thirty-four unique topics! New learners are welcome to begin with any of these classes, but there are slight differences in the types of poetry included in each one. Express Yourself #2 focuses mostly on poetry written for children. Express Yourself #3 (this one) highlights classic poetry (especially by our "good friend" Emily Dickinson). As for Express Yourself #4, there is an emphasis on diverse and multicultural voices. We begin by reading and discussing some classic poems (and some on-topic pictures) to brainstorm personal stories for the week's topic. Then, we spend the rest of the time developing creative projects. Each learner expresses their own story, emotions, or ideas about the topic with an art or poetry project of their choice. SCHEDULE The Week of April 21 - Topic #1: My Imagination "The Bee Is Not Afraid Of Me" by Emily Dickinson "A Boat Beneath A Sunny Sky" by Lewis Carroll The Week of April 28 - Topic #2: A Golden Lining "On This Long Storm The Rainbow Rose" by Emily Dickinson *Last stanza removed The Week of May 5 - Topic #3: Hobbies "The Runner" by Walt Whitman "Hello! Hello!" by Louisa May Alcott The Week of May 12 - Topic #4: Gifts "The Little Old Table" by Thomas Hardy The Week of May 19 - Topic #5: Laughter "Laughing Song" by William Blake The Week of May 26 - Topic #6: Sadness "Tears" by Walt Whitman The Week of January 14 - Topic #7: Friends "A Time to Talk" by Robert Frost "A Bird Song" by Christina Georgina Rossetti The Week of January 21 - Topic #8: Inspired By Nature "The Moon" by Emily Dickinson "By the Sea" by Emily Dickinson "My Garden" by Ralph Waldo Emerson The Week of January 28 - Topic #9: Dreams "My Dream" by Christina Georgina Rossetti The Week of February 4 - Topic #10: Emotions "Lines Composed In A Wood On A Windy Day" by Anne Bronte "Mirage" by Christina Georgina Rossetti The Week of February 11 - Topic #11: Seasons "May Flower" by Emily Dickinson "A Patch of Old Snow" by Robert Frost "Seasons" by Christina Georgina Rossetti The Week of February 18 - Topic #12: Normal Simplicity "I'm Nobody!" by Emily Dickinson "Simplicity" by Emily Dickinson The Week of February 25 - Topic #13: The Power of Words "A Word" by Emily Dickinson "A Book" by Emily Dickinson The Week of March 3 - Topic #14: Weather "A Thunder-Storm" by Emily Dickinson "Birches" by Robert Frost "Commonplaces" by Rudyard Kipling The Week of March 10 - Topic #15: Travel "Rivers" by Sir John Collings Squire "In Lands I Never Saw, They Say" by Emily Dickinson The Week of March 17 - Topic #16: Life Changes, Celebrations & Events "Thomson Green and Harriet Hale" by William Schwenck Gilbert *Ending removed The Week of March 24 - Topic #17: Bravery "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost The Week of March 31 - Topic #18: Outside My Window "The Railway Train" by Emily Dickinson "Blueberries" by Robert Frost "At the Window" by David Herbert Lawrence The Week of April 7 - Topic #19: Overwhelmed "The Lost Thought" by Emily Dickinson "Boston Lullaby" by James Jeffrey Roche The Week of April 14 - Topic #20: My Experiences "In the Garden" by Emily Dickinson "The Door in the Dark" by Robert Frost "A Doe at Evening" by David Herbert Lawrence The Week of April 21 - Topic #21: Unspoken "The Secret Sits" by Robert Frost "Ghosts" by Emily Dickinson "The Things We Dare Not Tell" by Henry Lawson The Week of April 28 - Topic #22: Solitude, Isolation, and Loneliness "Three Weeks Passed Since I Had Seen Her" by Emily Dickinson "Good Hours" by Robert Frost "Ghost House" by Robert Frost The Week of May 5 - Topic #23: Hope "Hope" by Emily Dickinson "Prairie Spring" by Willa Cather "Central Park At Dusk" by Sara Teasdale The Week of May 12 - Topic #24: The Unexpected "He Came to Pay" by Parmenas Mix "The Star" by Sara Teasdale Topic #25: The Environment "Who Robbed The Woods" by Emily Dickinson Topic #26: Confined "A Prisoner In A Dungeon Deep" by Anne Bronte Topic #27: Creativity, Art & Beauty "The V-A-S-E" by James Jeffrey Roche "The Endless Song" by Ruth McEnery Stuart Topic #28: Under, Around, and In "Under" by Sir John Collings Squire Topic #29: Identity "An Unfortunate Likeness" by William Schwenck Gilbert *Shortened "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman *Shortened Topic #30: Entertainment & Stories "After the Opera" by David Herbert Lawrence "April" by Ralph Waldo Emerson Topic #31: Home "Twenty Years Ago" by David Herbert Lawrence *Shortened "Chore Time" by Jean Blewett "Sourdough Bread" by Jack H Lee Topic #32: Fear "The Call" by John Frederick Freeman Topic #33: All Around Me "Advice to a Young Author" by Arthur Conan Doyle Topic #34: Cycles "A Wintry Sonnet" by Christina Georgina Rossetti "Amen" by Christina Georgina Rossetti *Stanza removed ▶️Due to rising costs and lower enrollment, I have had to increase my prices. This is consistent with Outschool's current recommendations. However, I am dedicated to finding a solution for all families! Do reach out to me if your learner would like to take my class and you need a discount. I can set up pay-what-you-can plans. ▶️Coupon Codes: Get an $8 ($10 off) class with coupon code BELLGJ2SEPTEMBER10 until September 30, 2023. Get an $8 ($10 off) class with coupon code BELLGJ2OCTOBER10 in October 2023. Get an $8 ($10 off) class with coupon code BELLGJ2NOVEMBER10 in November 2023. Get an $8 ($10 off) class with coupon code BELLGJ2DECEMBER10 in December 2023. ▶️The weekly price will not change for those who enrolled before the price change. ▶️If you are able to pay the current fee, I thank you for your support since I work hard to provide creative, inspiring content while balancing the challenges of living with disability and chronic illness. Thank you! TOPICS Topic #1: My Imagination "The Bee Is Not Afraid Of Me" by Emily Dickinson "A Boat Beneath A Sunny Sky" by Lewis Carroll Topic #2: A Golden Lining "On This Long Storm The Rainbow Rose" by Emily Dickinson *Last stanza removed Topic #3: Hobbies "The Runner" by Walt Whitman "Hello! Hello!" by Louisa May Alcott Topic #4: Gifts "The Little Old Table" by Thomas Hardy Topic #5: Laughter "Laughing Song" by William Blake Topic #6: Sadness "Tears" by Walt Whitman Topic #7: Friends "A Time to Talk" by Robert Frost "A Bird Song" by Christina Georgina Rossetti Topic #8: Inspired By Nature "The Moon" by Emily Dickinson "By the Sea" by Emily Dickinson "My Garden" by Ralph Waldo Emerson Topic #9: Dreams "My Dream" by Christina Georgina Rossetti Topic #10: Emotions "Lines Composed In A Wood On A Windy Day" by Anne Bronte "Mirage" by Christina Georgina Rossetti Topic #11: Seasons "May Flower" by Emily Dickinson "A Patch of Old Snow" by Robert Frost "Seasons" by Christina Georgina Rossetti Topic #12: Normal Simplicity "I'm Nobody!" by Emily Dickinson "Simplicity" by Emily Dickinson Topic #13: The Power of Words "A Word" by Emily Dickinson "A Book" by Emily Dickinson Topic #14: Weather "A Thunder-Storm" by Emily Dickinson "Birches" by Robert Frost "Commonplaces" by Rudyard Kipling Topic #15: Travel "Rivers" by Sir John Collings Squire "In Lands I Never Saw, They Say" by Emily Dickinson Topic #16: Life Changes, Celebrations & Events "Thomson Green and Harriet Hale" by William Schwenck Gilbert *Ending removed Topic #17: Bravery "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost Topic #18: Outside My Window "The Railway Train" by Emily Dickinson "Blueberries" by Robert Frost "At the Window" by David Herbert Lawrence Topic #19: Overwhelmed "The Lost Thought" by Emily Dickinson "Boston Lullaby" by James Jeffrey Roche Topic #20: My Experiences "In the Garden" by Emily Dickinson "The Door in the Dark" by Robert Frost "A Doe at Evening" by David Herbert Lawrence Topic #21: Unspoken "The Secret Sits" by Robert Frost "Ghosts" by Emily Dickinson "The Things We Dare Not Tell" by Henry Lawson Topic #22: Solitude, Isolation, and Loneliness "Three Weeks Passed Since I Had Seen Her" by Emily Dickinson "Good Hours" by Robert Frost "Ghost House" by Robert Frost Topic #23: Hope "Hope" by Emily Dickinson "Prairie Spring" by Willa Cather "Central Park At Dusk" by Sara Teasdale Topic #24: The Unexpected "He Came to Pay" by Parmenas Mix "The Star" by Sara Teasdale Topic #25: The Environment "Who Robbed The Woods" by Emily Dickinson Topic #26: Confined "A Prisoner In A Dungeon Deep" by Anne Bronte Topic #27: Creativity, Art & Beauty "The V-A-S-E" by James Jeffrey Roche "The Endless Song" by Ruth McEnery Stuart Topic #28: Under, Around, and In "Under" by Sir John Collings Squire Topic #29: Identity "An Unfortunate Likeness" by William Schwenck Gilbert *Shortened "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman *Shortened Topic #30: Entertainment & Stories "After the Opera" by David Herbert Lawrence "April" by Ralph Waldo Emerson Topic #31: Home "Twenty Years Ago" by David Herbert Lawrence *Shortened "Chore Time" by Jean Blewett "Sourdough Bread" by Jack H Lee Topic #32: Fear "The Call" by John Frederick Freeman Topic #33: All Around Me "Advice to a Young Author" by Arthur Conan Doyle Topic #34: Cycles "A Wintry Sonnet" by Christina Georgina Rossetti "Amen" by Christina Georgina Rossetti *Stanza removed
Learning Goals
Students will . . .
(As outlined in the Ontario Curriculum)
READING FOR MEANING
1.6 extend understanding of texts by connecting the ideas in them to their own knowledge and experience, to other familiar texts, and to the world around them
WRITING
2.2 establish a distinctive voice in their writing appropriate to the subject and audience (e.g., use punctuation, dialogue, and vivid language to create a particular mood or tone)
2.3 use some vivid and/or figurative language and innovative expressions to enhance interest (e.g., strong verbs; concrete, specific nouns; unusual adjectives; unexpected word order)
3.7 use a range of appropriate elements of effective presentation in the finished product, including print, script, different fonts, graphics, and layout
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The topics in the class will vary depending on the learners in the class and what they bring up, and sensitive subjects may arise.
Supply List
Learners should have paper, pencils/pens, markers, etc. on hand for each class or be able to open a word processor, etc. on their computer/device during the class to work on their composition.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2020
4.9
427reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Windsor
Associate's Degree in English from Canadian College of Educators
Hi! My name is Alaina Bell Gao, and I am an experienced Canadian English teacher with 15+ years of professional teaching experience. As a dedicated, creative, gentle, and patient neurodivergent teacher, many neurodiverse learners thrive in my classes, including those with ADHD, OCD, Autism, anxiety, and dyslexia. Additionally, I have experience working with gifted and 2E learners, many of whom have thrived in my classes. Finally, I am trained and experienced in teaching English as a second and foreign language and welcome international learners!
Teaching Style:
● Share the joy of learning
● Learn with my learners
● Welcoming class culture
● Patient and cheerful nurturer/encourager
● Passionate, fun, creative, and imaginative
● Interactive and engaging (with flexible requirements and accommodations)
● Inquiry and experiential teaching
● Creative projects and enrichment activities
● Academic deep dives with critical thinking
● Multidisciplinary real-world and culture-centred lessons
● Social-emotional connections
● Literature and writing specialty
● Unique content (self-designed)
● Passionate discussion, storytelling, games, projects, and activities
In the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, I teach students “to long for the endless immensity of the sea" to stimulate a desire for learning in an encouraging and fun environment. To this end, I consciously model a lifestyle of endless learning.
Professional Highlights:
● Teaching English literature and history at a top-ranking national exemplary Sino-American high school in China
● Tutoring gifted students in critical thinking, close reading, literary analysis, and essay writing
● Teaching college English and launching their social and cultural anthropology course
● Teaching English language learners (English as a second/foreign language; TESL/TEFL certified)
● Guiding AP English Language and Literature, IELTS, and TOEFL learners to success
● Teaching Chinese history and culture for a Chinese cultural association and in schools
● Developing specialized programs for student needs so struggling learners could thrive
● Developing curriculum for private use and for organizations
● Writing children's historical and cultural books
● Authoring a textbook on project-based learning (Teacher's Discovery)
● Authoring a high school English textbook (Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press)
● Performing as a Department of Tourism Management voice actor and for the exam board
● Teaching beginner readers with games and activities
● Transforming reluctant readers and writers into confident ones
● Leading book clubs and literature circles
● Transforming learner perceptions of poetry and close reading
● Facilitating the yearbook and drama clubs
● Connecting with learners from around the world
As you can see, I work with learners of all ages and abilities. I have much experience supporting learners in achieving academic and personal success, whether that is entering an Ivy League university, a gifted education program, passing an IB or AP English course/exam, reading branches and early chapter books with excitement, reading a novel with comprehension, learning to love reading for the first time, gaining the confidence to express themselves, overcoming personal barriers to success, picking up a pencil to write and to write with passion, voicing their emotions and experiences powerfully, or completing a large project for the first time. I celebrate every success!
My classes are very creative and interactive, with an encouraging, caring, stimulating, and inspiring environment, which is full of thought-provoking questions, deep discussions, meaningful connections, social-emotional reflections, interdisciplinary learning, and an international worldview. For most of my classes, we take time to savour the literature and I host plenty of engaging literature circles and book clubs, with an increasing range of multicultural novel options, in addition to the classics and Newberry award winners.
My classes are an enthusiastic deep dive into literary appreciation, close reading, and literary analysis without overwhelming the learners with heavy terminology. (I still incorporate references to figurative language, as well as the reader's response, formalist, historical, socio-cultural, and archetypal lens into my lessons, but this is done in a way that the learners can grasp, even without prior training.) Annotation and research skills are a focus in many classes, too. Additionally, I often talk about the power of a learner's choices and the impact those choices will have on their audience. This is to encourage an awareness of the creative process and of themselves as writers, poets, artists, and creators.
As for social studies, I am fascinated by people and cultures, as I am by stories and histories. Although I am Canadian, I lived in China for ten years, integrated into the culture, studied the history extensively, learned Mandarin, and started an educational not-for-profit organization with my Chinese husband. I am an experienced educator and am trusted by Chinese parents, the Chinese Association of Mississauga, and local teachers to teach Chinese history and culture. I also have friends and connections within many other cultures, so building up global awareness, cultural competence, and empathy is important to me!
Additionally, I care about each learner's well-being, so learners are welcome to bring a snack, drink, or fidget spinner to class if that will help and won't be a distraction to others. Learners are also welcome to take stretching breaks. Please reach out to me for any concerns or accommodations. Also, I have recently raised my prices at Outschool's recommendation (smaller class sizes and inflation), but I want to make this work for you! Do reach out to me if you are interested in one of my classes and are in need of a coupon.
Finally, I am an experienced and passionate educator, but I also live with chronic illness and a disability, which means that I greatly appreciate your support. This is my main job and I can only do it thanks to fabulous parents like you! Thank you! So, what are you looking for? Let me know! I would be happy to accommodate you, if possible! I look forward to hearing from you soon!Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week
50 min
Completed by 55 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
2-6 learners per class
Financial Assistance
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