At CoolSpeak, we believe engagement starts with connection. Before strategies, before outcomes, before the lesson plan even begins, there’s a feeling we create in the room to inspire creativity. For poet, educator, and spoken-word artist Natasha “natty” Carrizosa, that feeling starts with something simple yet powerful: breath.

In this reflection, natty shares how creating “breathing room” helps students feel safe enough to take risks, find their voice, and step into their creativity.

Breathing Room: Creating Workshops That Inspire Creativity from Students

The word inspire comes from the Latin inspirare – to breathe into.

Before I write, speak, teach, perform, before I ask a single question, I think about breath. How can I breathe life, laughter, love, and acceptance into them/this classroom/this teacher – whatever they need to find creativity; how can I do/be that?

Because a stranger can take your breath away.

The unknown, anxiety, judgment, fear – all of these things can take your breath away.
But, so can a poem.

So can the young star who never speaks but got enough courage to share because of something I said or did.

What I Do:

I always ask this question: “Raise your hand if you don’t like writing?

This question normalizes resistance, surfaces fear without shame, and lets students know I see them before asking them to produce anything.

The responses I get:

1. It makes my hand hurt.
2. I don’t know what to write.
3. Someone told them they couldn’t.

My goal: make them feel brave and seen.

• I walk into the room understanding human experience. I remember when I was their age; I see what they go through.
• I laugh and have fun with them. I don’t take myself too seriously.
• I don’t hover when they write. I don’t push or pressure them. They get enough of that.
• I walk around to be available. If I happen to see something, I ask for permission to read more. Or, I’ll tell them how incredible they are and may I read this aloud?
• I ask them questions. I let them lead.
• I play grounding music (my mood changes. I can go from Bach to Pac.)
• I validate them & give words of affirmation.

If I have created ‘breathing room’ to be themselves, to think, to use creativity, and write I ask: raise your hand if you need more time? Hands go up every time.

Inspiration is not something we force. It is something we allow.

When we create breathing room, students surprise us. They rise. They reveal parts of themselves that standardized environments rarely make space for. And in doing so, they remind us why we began this work in the first place.

What You Can Do for Creativity:

1. Create a classroom playlist. Invite students to send their favorite artists/songs to be included. My Chill Writing Vibes playlist includes artists like Wax Tailor, Groundation, DJ Day, The Cure, El Buho – I could go on forever.
2. There are lessons you have to teach. Think about what you want to teach. Poetry? Flash-Fiction? Creative Writing? What about hosting a classroom open-mic? Make space for that.

word+sound=power,
natty

Creating engaging spaces for students isn’t about having the perfect activity; it’s about cultivating an environment where students feel safe enough to show up as themselves. When we lead with empathy, curiosity, and room to breathe, creativity follows.

At CoolSpeak, this is the work: helping schools and educators design experiences where students don’t just participate, they feel, express, and grow. And sometimes, all it takes to start is a moment of breathing room.