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Since January 2020
Instructor since January 2020
Creative writing - Poetry in English - Learn how to write beautiful poetry
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From 90 C$ /h
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In the modern world, the significance of poetry is overlooked. From Aristotle to Derrida (the range is not comprehensive), literary theory has maintained that a poem's power is measured in its affect. Throughout this course, our goal will not be to make inscrutable poetic analysis - though the first part of the lesson will be spent analysing word choice, meter, line length and spaces of an English poem written between pre-modernism and postmodernism. Rather, through our perusal of poetic form we will be able to ground our work, somewhat modestly, in the English poetic tradition.

Before the first class you will send me some of your own work so I know how to build or refine aesthetic temperament. I have been writing poetry for ten years and two years ago I published a chapbook at a press with competitive standards, and I am currently working on a full-length collection. If you wish to take up poetry seriously, time is needed and an eye for detail is essential.

I look forward to us broadening our aesthetic sensibilities together.
Extra information
Associative thinking is crucial here
Location
location type icon
Online from Albania
About Me
I believe that when we are teaching about language or the language arts it is important for the teacher to learn as much as possible from the student. Of course, the teacher comes armed with knowledge that is institutional at its core, a knowledge that is at once also necessary. Think of the notion of experience. In poetry for example that comes with reading and writing, either in an academic or recreational context.What I look for in the student learning English or poetry is a desire to acquire the intuitive capacities that the teacher brings with her, as well as the student's own individuality which the teacher also learns from.
Education
Columbia University

University of Amsterdam - Literary and Cultural Analysis, cum laude

For my undergraduate thesis at the University of Amsterdam I deployed Jacques Lacan's writings on desire in order to analyse Emily Dickinson's ' Master' letters and Lana del Rey's Ultraviolence album.
Experience / Qualifications
Author, Letters to Josie

I have been active in student publications with my poetry, and I have performed often at events.
Age
Children (7-12 years old)
Teenagers (13-17 years old)
Adults (18-64 years old)
Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Duration
60 minutes
The class is taught in
English
Dutch
Skills
Reviews
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -04:00)
New York
at teacher icon
Online via webcam
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
00-04
04-08
08-12
12-16
16-20
20-24
Hello,
My name is Besiana. I have a BA cum laude from the University of Amsterdam, Literary and Cultural Analysis.

Below is a recap of my experience:
- IGCSE English as a Second Language Teacher, with consistent A* and A results
- IGCSE Drama teacher, results to be announced August 2022
- Art teacher and creativity therapist
- Excellent at motivating students to follow their passions
- specialised in age 11 - 16 age group

Please tell me your needs and I will design a curriculum for you.
Read more
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Preview the poem by reading the title and paying attention to the poem's form: shape on the page, stanzas, number of lines and ending punctuation. Read poem aloud several times to hear rhyme, rhythm, and the overall sound of the poem. This makes it easier to understand the poem.
Inferring is how we enter into those holes and spaces as we read. When we infer, we figure out what the author might have meant when information isn’t explicitly stated. In Strategies That Work, we make inferences by combining our background knowledge with clues from the words on the page.
Novels tend to be easy to read. You can sit down and become absorbed by a book for an hour or more. Poems, on the other hand, typically require slow and careful study to glean their full meaning. The lines of a poem tend to be more complex, more “packed with meaning,” than lines of text in other types of literature.
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Is poetry confusing when you try to read it? Do you want to write poetry but don't know where to start? Do you love poetry and want to talk about and share your favorite poems? If you answered yes to any of these questions - this class is for you! In "Why Poetry", we will look at different forms of poetry and the work of at least one new poet each week. We will practice reading and unraveling the meaning of poems together, and we will discuss the significance of specific poems and poets. You will also have a chance to introduce some of your favorite poems to the class. We will even practice writing some of our own poems. Below, you will find a list of some of the poets whose work we will explore together!

Amanda Gorman
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I studied Language Sciences and Literature in Paris, where I also did tutoring sessions for students in difficulty.
I also studied Game Design and Narrative Design.

Being a musician, I write song lyrics for several projects.
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I am also a content creator for a French-speaking Belgian webzine; Shoot Me Again.

My background in literature and linguistics helped me to have a sensitivity to language. I bring a lot of importance to the weight of the words and to the rhythm in my writings.
My diverse experience has helped me build a solid background.
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Reconnect with words, the textures of feelings, and re-tame your expression, it is a wonderful tool for existence and resistance!
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Everyone learns differently. That's why I teach the way you want. You decide what you want to learn and how, including when your lesson takes place and how long it lasts.

I teach creative writing to anyone who wants it, regardless of age, online or at my home in Velp. I can help you write fiction, nonfiction, poetry, song lyrics or theatre text. I can teach you writing techniques or we can work on a writing project. Whether it's a book, blog, fan fiction or thesis, I can help you. Anything is possible.

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UNSEEN
POETRY CLUB
Weekly sessions analyzing poetry together

Join us for 45-minute weekly sessions where we dive into an unseen poem together. No preparation needed — just bring your curiosity. We'll develop close-reading skills, explore poetic techniques, and build confidence structuring responses to unfamiliar texts.

GCSE, IB & A-Level students building analytical skills for literature exams — and anyone who loves poetry. Practice exam-style techniques in a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere where all perspectives are welcome.

WHEN
Every Tuesday
17:30 CET

WHERE
Online

Led by Sean
13 years teaching literature · MA (Oxon) PPE, Oxford · MFA Creative Writing, St Andrews · Masters in Embodied Arts and Devised Theatre · Birkbeck English Literature

Also offering 1-on-1 tutoring: English & Maths for GCSE, IB, A-Level · UK university prep · Specializing in support for neurodiverse learners

verified badge
This 30 minute class is learner guided/directed and designed specifically to bring out the creativity hidden inside you.
Each week every learner gets the chance to write a creative piece and share it with the teachers, if they choose to; this class also suits a solo learner. There will be opportunities to produce a poem/freestyle at the end of class. The last 10-15 minutes of class will be The Freestyle Poetry Slam! You will be encourage to develop your poem and taught how to perform it for a Poetry Slam in your area.
You will leave the class feeling happy and proud that you have made up your own creative piece to perform to friends and family!

This is what AI said about our first 2 lessons:
Lesson 1
In this meeting, we covered the basics of meter, rhythm, and poetry devices like metaphor and simile as they apply to rap and freestyle. We led a fun word game where participants quickly brainstormed related words, then challenged them to freestyle short rhymes using those words.

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We provided feedback on the participants' initial freestyle attempts, offering constructive suggestions for improvement. We ended by highlighting next week's focus on metaphor and simile, and asked the participant to come prepared with a list of their favorite rappers to discuss further.

Lesson 2
In today's class, we focused on exploring the use of metaphors and similes, two important literary devices in poetry and rap. We watched a video that provided an overview of these concepts, discussing how they can be used to vividly convey big ideas or emotions in a concise way.

We then practiced identifying metaphors and similes, and the students generated their own examples connected to the words we uncovered in a matching game. This led to a creative writing exercise where they composed rhyming couplets using those words as a starting point.

The students demonstrated strong skills in bridging the words into cohesive narratives, showcasing their ability to think creatively and apply the literary techniques we covered. We also had a lively discussion about the role of memory and vocabulary in freestyle rapping, and how these foundational skills support more advanced performance abilities.
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Contact Besiana
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Similar classes
arrow icon previousarrow icon next
verified badge
I specialise in teaching rap skills and lyric writing.
If you enjoy rap music and would like to learn how to improve your technique then I am here to help you!
I have many years of experience teaching, performing and recording my own music. I sing, rap, write lyrics and have performed with a band in the past.
I can cover different styles including Hip Hop and Grime.
We will also cover lyric writing where I can help you with your flows and technique to create your own original material. There is an option to get custom made beats to help you create your own original tracks.
I really enjoy teaching and like to make the lessons challenging and fun.
verified badge
Have you ever drawn with words - or write with drawing/ mark making?

In each session, we will look at techniques to develop both drawing and writing skills to produce an image/ prose to be proud of. The aim is to then use this creativity to address the demands of every day living - to find a moment of calm amidst the punishing to-do list we give ourselves.

Drawing and writing - why not combine the two?
verified badge
People often do not know where to start with poetry, and the books give contradictory advice. I am a widely published poet and experienced and knowledgeable teacher, able to give advice, exercises, constructive feedback, and engaged classes with a no-nonsense approach to what works in a poem, and how to structure and revise effectively.
verified badge
Theater History is a Reading, Writing and Academic course that teaches students about the history of Theater, Plays and Poetry. Students will learn how to read and write poems and plays in different Theater Styles. They will also learn essential Academic Writing skills through Poem and Play analysis as well as practicing Creative Writing by creating their own plays and poems.

Topics include:

Greek Theater,
Medieval Theater,
Shakespeare,
Poetry,
Post-modern Theater,
Advanced Grammar and Style,
Creative Writing,
Academic Writing


This course is suitable for students who would like to become excellent Writers and Actors.
verified badge
Preview the poem by reading the title and paying attention to the poem's form: shape on the page, stanzas, number of lines and ending punctuation. Read poem aloud several times to hear rhyme, rhythm, and the overall sound of the poem. This makes it easier to understand the poem.
Inferring is how we enter into those holes and spaces as we read. When we infer, we figure out what the author might have meant when information isn’t explicitly stated. In Strategies That Work, we make inferences by combining our background knowledge with clues from the words on the page.
Novels tend to be easy to read. You can sit down and become absorbed by a book for an hour or more. Poems, on the other hand, typically require slow and careful study to glean their full meaning. The lines of a poem tend to be more complex, more “packed with meaning,” than lines of text in other types of literature.
verified badge
Is poetry confusing when you try to read it? Do you want to write poetry but don't know where to start? Do you love poetry and want to talk about and share your favorite poems? If you answered yes to any of these questions - this class is for you! In "Why Poetry", we will look at different forms of poetry and the work of at least one new poet each week. We will practice reading and unraveling the meaning of poems together, and we will discuss the significance of specific poems and poets. You will also have a chance to introduce some of your favorite poems to the class. We will even practice writing some of our own poems. Below, you will find a list of some of the poets whose work we will explore together!

Amanda Gorman
Robert Frost
Tupac Shakur
Langston Hughes
Gary Soto
Maya Angelou
Emily Dickinson
E.E. Cummings

Poetry can show you images and make you feel, it has rhyme and rhythm, and signs and symbols. It can be simple or complicated, short or long. There is so much to learn from and experience when reading poetry. I can't wait to begin exploring some poetry with you!
verified badge
I studied Language Sciences and Literature in Paris, where I also did tutoring sessions for students in difficulty.
I also studied Game Design and Narrative Design.

Being a musician, I write song lyrics for several projects.
I have been writing poetry and freelance writing for over 10 years.
I am also a content creator for a French-speaking Belgian webzine; Shoot Me Again.

My background in literature and linguistics helped me to have a sensitivity to language. I bring a lot of importance to the weight of the words and to the rhythm in my writings.
My diverse experience has helped me build a solid background.
I can teach poetry, how to write song lyrics, spontaneous writing for the Spoken Word for example but also how to structure an article, a dissertation or any other writing.
I can also help you write a lore, a scenario and dialogues for a video game.

Write to me to have access to a piece of my portfolio!

See you soon :)
verified badge
I taught Turkish to three people before. A Greek, an Arab and a German learned Turkish with me. They began to read Turkish poems and listen to songs. One of them even gives me song recommendations.
You can too. You can learn language step by step. Turkish is a difficult language. I am aware. I'm not going to crush you under the grammatical walls. Step by step, I can prove how easily you can speak a language by speaking, singing, reading poetry. Let's try it.
verified badge
Cultivating the skill of close reading is important and will aid you, not only in English and languages, but in all fields of your life. Analysing and understanding Literature and Poetry is a very effective start to developing the skills needed to enhance your overall understanding and critical thinking abilities.

In a fast-paced, competitive world, you want to show that you stand out as an individual who shows initiative, comprehension and insight and Literature studies is the doorway through which you will be able to achieve this.

Enhance your general knowledge, your understanding of other people, your reading and writing skills and how you view the world. These are only a few examples of what Literature and Poetry is able to offer you.
verified badge
If u are eager to study literature and poetry I can guide you through:)
We will explore this magical world of literature and poetry while creating our own stories and poems !
Join me in this amazing journey of learning and creating:)
See you there!
verified badge
Poetry writing workshop with a poet specializing in multilingualism.
Let yourself be inspired by innovative poetic writing techniques that will surprise you with your ability to express the beauty of everyday life and the depth of your sensibilities.
In a cycle of at least 5 courses, you will have the opportunity to be guided in the creation of a self-published poetry collection.
Reconnect with words, the textures of feelings, and re-tame your expression, it is a wonderful tool for existence and resistance!
Depending on your affinities and your level, we will draw inspiration from classical and/or contemporary poets, French-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and from the traditions of oral literature.
verified badge
If you are looking for a supportive reader who can also offer constructive feedback? then try my class.

As a published writer, copyeditor and lifelong English teacher, I am able to mentor writers in all stages of their creative journey: offer prompts to get you started or unstuck, ideas for revisions, and tips for reading in public and submitting your work for publication when you feel ready.

Whether a one-off workshop or a longer course – I am open to your wishes.
verified badge
Everyone learns differently. That's why I teach the way you want. You decide what you want to learn and how, including when your lesson takes place and how long it lasts.

I teach creative writing to anyone who wants it, regardless of age, online or at my home in Velp. I can help you write fiction, nonfiction, poetry, song lyrics or theatre text. I can teach you writing techniques or we can work on a writing project. Whether it's a book, blog, fan fiction or thesis, I can help you. Anything is possible.

I'm a trained writer and teacher. I have over 10 years of experience in education and have taught creative writing, literature, art history, and other subjects at a small secondary school, where I'm also a team member. I write teaching materials that are used at various secondary and higher education schools. I have extensive experience with innovative teaching methods and one-on-one teaching.

If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Besides creative writing, you can also come to me for lessons in music theory, art history and mathematics.
verified badge
UNSEEN
POETRY CLUB
Weekly sessions analyzing poetry together

Join us for 45-minute weekly sessions where we dive into an unseen poem together. No preparation needed — just bring your curiosity. We'll develop close-reading skills, explore poetic techniques, and build confidence structuring responses to unfamiliar texts.

GCSE, IB & A-Level students building analytical skills for literature exams — and anyone who loves poetry. Practice exam-style techniques in a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere where all perspectives are welcome.

WHEN
Every Tuesday
17:30 CET

WHERE
Online

Led by Sean
13 years teaching literature · MA (Oxon) PPE, Oxford · MFA Creative Writing, St Andrews · Masters in Embodied Arts and Devised Theatre · Birkbeck English Literature

Also offering 1-on-1 tutoring: English & Maths for GCSE, IB, A-Level · UK university prep · Specializing in support for neurodiverse learners

verified badge
This 30 minute class is learner guided/directed and designed specifically to bring out the creativity hidden inside you.
Each week every learner gets the chance to write a creative piece and share it with the teachers, if they choose to; this class also suits a solo learner. There will be opportunities to produce a poem/freestyle at the end of class. The last 10-15 minutes of class will be The Freestyle Poetry Slam! You will be encourage to develop your poem and taught how to perform it for a Poetry Slam in your area.
You will leave the class feeling happy and proud that you have made up your own creative piece to perform to friends and family!

This is what AI said about our first 2 lessons:
Lesson 1
In this meeting, we covered the basics of meter, rhythm, and poetry devices like metaphor and simile as they apply to rap and freestyle. We led a fun word game where participants quickly brainstormed related words, then challenged them to freestyle short rhymes using those words.

We emphasized the importance of confidence, explaining that the key to freestyle is having a solid rhythmic framework and not worrying about perfection. We also discussed ways to build vocabulary and transition smoothly between rhyme schemes.

We provided feedback on the participants' initial freestyle attempts, offering constructive suggestions for improvement. We ended by highlighting next week's focus on metaphor and simile, and asked the participant to come prepared with a list of their favorite rappers to discuss further.

Lesson 2
In today's class, we focused on exploring the use of metaphors and similes, two important literary devices in poetry and rap. We watched a video that provided an overview of these concepts, discussing how they can be used to vividly convey big ideas or emotions in a concise way.

We then practiced identifying metaphors and similes, and the students generated their own examples connected to the words we uncovered in a matching game. This led to a creative writing exercise where they composed rhyming couplets using those words as a starting point.

The students demonstrated strong skills in bridging the words into cohesive narratives, showcasing their ability to think creatively and apply the literary techniques we covered. We also had a lively discussion about the role of memory and vocabulary in freestyle rapping, and how these foundational skills support more advanced performance abilities.
Good-fit Instructor Guarantee
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Contact Besiana