RabaTEENS is a nurturing space for deep and meaningful Islamic spiritual mentorship with compassionate and caring mentors. We design fun, creative, and positive educational experiences to help teens grow confidently and comfortably into their faith.


Class Description


Spoken word is a powerful form of artistic expression that transforms everyday language into something dynamic and moving. Blending rhythm, storytelling, and emotion, it gives voice to personal experiences, cultural identity, and the issues that matter most. It’s about using words not just to communicate, but to connect and inspire. 

In this introductory five-week minimester course, students will immerse themselves in spoken word poetry that will lead up to a final performance by members of the class. In this class, through poetry and theater exercises, students will seek their own poetic voices and the most exuberant and powerful ways to express themselves to an audience. 



Class Outline


Week 1:  Exploring the History of Spoken Word and Slam Poetry - Examples from the Past and Today

We will dive into the rich history of spoken word by exploring powerful oral traditions from Arab and Native American cultures. We will trace the evolution of performance poetry from the Harlem Renaissance to the rise of modern slam poetry, discovering how spoken word has long been a tool for expression, resistance, and connection. 


Week 2:  Use Your Attitude - Choosing Your Topics and Poetic Devices 

This week, we will explore a range of literary devices used in poetry, along with techniques unique to spoken word. You will learn how to select meaningful topics and use rhythm, repetition, metaphor, and other tools to create poetry that resonates—both on the page and on the stage. 


Week 3:  Eye Contact, Facial Expressions, Projection & Gestures - Tools to Enhance Your Poem 

In this lesson, we will work on improv exercises to help us pull out performance tools that can be used on stage. 


Week 4:  Memorization and Flow - How to Truly Be in Touch with the Content of Your Poem  
 
In this lesson, students will get to review the topics of their poetry. We will go over memorization tips and techniques and the cool ways to remember our poems. And when all else fails, we will learn memorization techniques to help us remember when things get tricky. 


Week 5:  Slam Competition - Putting Our Newly Learned Skills to the Test 

Final project: A fun poetry slam competition amongst the students, with Rabata and RabaTEENS mentors as guest judges. The winner will get a special gift sent to them! 


Class Activity Materials

Writing materials as needed (optional) 

Required Book

None

Class Day & Time

Wednesdays 1:00 - 2:00 pm CST 

Session dates: July 2nd - 30th 

Students must attend Zoom live sessions. Classes are NOT recorded.


*Enrollment into the RabaTEENS program is on a per-student basis. If two (or more) students are planning to attend a class together by sharing a screen, each student will need to enroll for class individually. 

**RabaTEENS programs are for girls aged 12-17 ONLY. Students are required to be 12 already in order to join any of RabaTEENS programs.

Certificate of Participation

A certificate of participation will be given to students who complete the class.

Refund Policy

No refunds are issued once the session begins. 

Find Your Voice: Introduction to Spoken Word

Meets once a week for one hour (5-week session)

Instructor

Anse Michelle Sekusky

Anse Michelle Sekusky, an Ohio native, embraced Islam in 2011. In 2013, she enrolled in the Ribaat Academic Institute, studying traditional Islamic education under the guidance of Anse Shaykha Dr. Tamara Gray. Within the Columbus, Ohio community, Anse Michelle served on the board of the Noor Islamic Cultural Center for four years and actively volunteered with local masjid committees. There, she also developed a support system for and worked closely with converts for eight years. As an accomplished songwriter and vocalist, Anse Michelle is known for writing, performing, and conducting workshops across the nation. Her foundation in the performing arts, cultivated during her time in middle and high school, was further enriched by touring during her college years. She is passionate about using music to connect women of all ages to their faith through nasheed and singing. Currently, she is a proud member of the Twin City Women’s Choir and serves on the board of Her Voice Productions. Anse Michelle is the Rabata Cultural Center Manager. She remains an enthusiastic student of the Ribaat Academic Institute and actively teaches for Rabata’s Dragonflies and RabaTEENS youth programs. She also contributes by supporting Rabata’s Convert Care program. In 2022, she obtained her ijaza (certification) in the 40 Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi. Recently, Anse Michelle joined the speakers and board of the Islamic Resource Group (IRG), where she educates the wider community about Islam.