Loving Their Amazing Selves: Author Ofosu Jones-Quartey Visits Rocketship PCS Legacy Prep
An Open Book Foundation sponsored an author visit for 4th and 5th grade students at Rocketship PCS - Legacy Prep in support of the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action. Ofosu Jones-Quartey, author of Love Your Amazing Self: Joyful Verses for Young Voices, interspersed a read aloud of select verses from his book with mindfulness exercises.
Jones-Quartey began by leading students through a grounding exercise where he asked,
“What time is it?” to which students responded, "Right now.”
“Where are you?” and students responded, “Right here.”
“Who is enough?” to which students enthusiastically responded with “I am enough!”
After grounding themselves in the present, students shared what mindfulness means to them, with insightful reflections including “meditation” and “empathy.”
Jones-Quartey shared more about his background, particularly his ongoing work to turn the book into a musical album, fusing poetry and rap. He read a few verses from Love Your Amazing Self, which encouraged students to affirm themselves, express gratitude, and pay attention to their bodies.
In between each verse, Jones-Quartey guided students through different question prompts and activities. For example, Jones-Quartey asked students to share a self-affirmation and gratitude. Students expressed love and gratitude for “the skin I’m in, being here on the earth, ability to play sports, faith, rain, dance, and trees.” He guided students through somatic exercises, including breath work, singing bowl meditations, and a mindful freeze dance.
At the end of the visit, students peppered Jones-Quartey with questions ranging from “Are you rich?” and “When did you start rapping?” to “What made you want to write?” At dismissal, each student received a signed copy of the book, and the school received a class set’s worth for their library.
