Poetry Services for Schools and Organizations
Transform Through Poetry — Workshops | Residencies | Keynotes | Consulting | Performances
Workshops for Schools
Ahmed offers five signature poetry workshops designed for grades K-12, all curriculum-aligned to Alberta Language Arts outcomes.
1. Identity Builder (Grades 4-12)
Students explore identity through the I Am, I Am Not sentence frame structure. This foundational workshop creates safe space for students to define themselves on their own terms.
- Duration: 45-60 minutes
- Focus: Identity exploration, self-awareness, critical thinking
- Outcome: Original identity poems, increased confidence
2. School Senses Builder (Grades 3-9)
Students create sensory-rich poetry about their school environment, developing observation skills and descriptive language.
3. Blueprint of Me (Grades 4-12)
Using extended architectural metaphors, students explore their personal foundations, walls, windows, and rooms—mapping their identity through creative imagery.
4. Becoming (Grades 5-12)
Future-oriented poetry exploring who students are becoming. Integrates goal-setting, growth mindset, and vision-casting through verse.
5. School Community Builder (Grades K-6)
Collaborative poetry creation through personification exercises. Entire classes write together, building community and shared identity.
Featured Keynote Topics
- The Pedagogy of Failure — Resilience, growth mindset, failing forward
- Poetry as Critical Thinking Engine — Arts in education, curriculum integration
- From Refugee to Poet Laureate — Immigration, belonging, identity
- Equity in Action — Diversity, inclusion, systemic change
- The Power of Student Voice — Youth empowerment, civic engagement
Past clients: Alberta Teachers Association, Chilliwack Teachers Association, University of Alberta, Rocky View Schools.
Consulting Services
Ahmed provides expert consulting in four key areas:
1. Curriculum Development
- Poetry-integrated curriculum design
- Alberta ELA outcome alignment
- Assessment rubric creation
- Teacher resource development
2. Arts Program Design
- School arts strategy consulting
- Poetry program implementation
- Student showcase event planning (Poetry Cafés)
- Sustainability planning (train-the-trainer)
3. Equity and Inclusion
- Arts council equity policy development
- Cultural responsiveness training
- Community engagement strategies
- Accessibility planning for arts programs
4. Professional Development for Teachers
- How to teach poetry without being a poet
- Creating safe spaces for vulnerable writing
- Assessment strategies for creative work
- Differentiation for diverse learners
Performances
Ahmed delivers electrifying spoken word performances for festivals, assemblies, community events, and corporate gatherings.
Performance Types
- Festival performances (20-45 minute sets)
- School assemblies (age-appropriate, motivational)
- Community events (libraries, cultural celebrations)
- Corporate events (conferences, awards ceremonies)
Past performance highlights: Toronto International Festival of Authors (2018), Canadian Spoken Word Championship (Winner, 2011), international tours (UK, USA, Sudan).
Pricing and Booking
Service pricing varies based on duration, location, and scope. Contact Ahmed for a custom quote tailored to your needs and budget.
Testimonials
This is what education should be. Ahmed didnt just teach poetry—he taught our students that their voices matter, that their stories are worth telling. The confidence shift was visible.
Principal, Belvedere Elementary School
Ive worked with many artists-in-residence over my 20-year career. Ahmed is exceptional. He balances professionalism with warmth, rigor with creativity, and always centers student voice.
Elementary School Administrator, Edmonton