Instructor: Matthew Friday

Biography:

Matthewis a classroom teacher, professional storyteller, writer, and literacyconsultant, and he works in a public school in Oregon. He has experienceteaching across all grades in elementary/primary schools in England, China,Germany, and Switzerland. He is also a published writer and professionalstoryteller for children. Matthew has delivered university lectures andprofessional development workshops to teachers on literacy and storytelling.Matthew has had many poems published in US and international journals. Hisfirst chapbook 'The Residents' was published by Finishing Line Press (2024).His second chapbook 'The Be-All and the End-All' was published by BottlecapPress (2024). Bottlecap Press also published his third chapbook 'StrangeBeauty' (2025). His first full length collection 'Wunderkammer' was publishedby Kelsay Books (2026). Visit his website at http://matthewfriday.weebly.com

Classes by this instructor

Poetry: An Introduction to Poetry

This class is for any student who has always wanted to read and enjoy poetry. No experience with poetry required! Taught by a published poet who loves making poetry accessible for readers of all ages, the course will showcase works from a wide range of famous authors and cultures, from the modern day to the distant past, but with a special focus on American poets. Guided reading and discussions will happen each session, helping students make connections and find poems that they will hopefully love for the rest of their lives. Poems will include themes of love and joy, life and living, nature and time and place.
January 25, 2027 to February 15, 2027 | 6:00pm-8:00pm PST | Bend

Poetry: Playing With Poetry: Reading and Writing

This course is for any student who has always wanted to read and enjoy poetry as well as try writing, and purely for fun! The instructor is a published poet and teacher, and he loves making poetry accessible for readers of all ages. The course will showcase poems from a wide range of famous poets. The instructor will lead the reading and discussions of the poems, helping students make connections and find poems that they will hopefully love for the rest of their lives. Then, we will use those poems to write our own versions. The intention is purely to use the poems to have fun with poetry writing. Positive feedback will be encouraged, and more confident students could use the poems to generate more original work, but that will not be the expectation. Please bring a journal or notebook and something to write with.
February 22, 2027 to March 15, 2027 | 6:00pm-7:30pm PST | Bend

Poetry: An Introduction to William Shakespeare and His Plays

An introduction to William Shakespeare and His Plays seeks to welcome newcomers to the Bard and his work. Over four weeks, poet and teacher Matthew Friday will teach students about Shakespeare's life, use of language and three of his most famous plays. Matthew makes it his mission to make Shakespeare enjoyable and accessible, helping people overcome the challenges they may have faced when first reading his work at high school. No experience or prior knowledge is necessary, just a desire to learn about the world's most famous playwright and master of the English language.
April 26, 2027 to May 17, 2027 | 6:00pm-7:30pm PDT | Bend