Chicago Poet Kevin Coval Workshops with Hinsdale Central Students

Kevin Coval talks to students about the history of the "Ode" before students wrote their own odes

Kevin Coval, local poet and founder of Young Chicago Authors/Louder Than a Bomb, worked with English students at Hinsdale Central on Wednesday, January 21.

I was so fortunate to be able to stop by several times throughout the day and see Kevin and our students as they wrote and performed spoken word poetry.  It was great to see him entertain and engage students in writing and listening to modern poetry.  

Kevin workshopped with students throughout the day in the HCHS Community Room as a variety of English classes stopped by, listening, writing, and sharing.  Teachers met with him over lunch to talk about strategies of engaging students in appreciating and writing poetry.  Overall, he worked with over 300 students.  

Kevin Coval performing his own work.

Kevin answered questions from students about his creative process and he became a writer.  How did he decide to be a writer?  He was interning for a member of Congress in Washington DC, became discouraged at what he'd seen in Washington, and -- while standing on the banks of the Potomac River - decided to dedicate himself to being a writer.  He said that it's essential for him to wake up early every morning to write.   What time does he start writing in the morning? (one student asked) Exactly 7:23. In this picture, Kevin showed off his notebook where he writes first drafts.  He talked about the layered drafting process he uses to craft and polish his poems.

Of special note: our Poetry Club and Louder than a Bomb Slam Team worked with Kevin during 10^th period; this was an especially lively hour.  Special thanks to English teachers Robyn Corelitz and Kim Williams in organizing this day-long celebration of poetry!  Special thanks to our principal, Dr. Mark Kolkman, in supporting the English Department in inviting Kevin to Central.

Here is a link to Kevin’s website:

http://kevincoval.com/kc/