Marlaya Charleston, published poet/author/illustrator/ educator hails from New York City. She is thrilled to get away from the noise and traffic there to the traffic in Los Angeles! She loves music and jazz, art and poetry…she loves performing, writing, painting, dancing, teaching… and being playful.
Over the years, she studied fine art (she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York), she was a graphic designer, a stand-up comedian, an actress, a painter with many international collectors and she presented her one woman show. She writes and illustrates her whimsical poems and performs them for children pre-k-6th grade and facilitates workshops and classes in poetry writing, drawing and performing. She also does interactive readings of her book Best Friends for the little ones (pre-k-1st grade).
She previously received a grant to teach poetry through the Los Angeles City Council 10 th district.
Member of Society of Children's Book
Writers and Illustrators
“Marlaya Charleston presented an enjoyable poetry reading at our Saturday morning kid’s space event for families. Her engaging presentation is well suited for bookstores and libraries, as well as primary grade classrooms.”
“It was a pleasure having you lead our poetry unit! Your passion for poetry was evident and you created a warm, welcoming environment that made students feel comfortable expressing themselves creatively. The students were engaged and clearly enjoyed the experience. Thank you”
“Marlaya brought enthusiasm and creativity to my classroom and truly brought her poems to life with my students. They were excited to hear her poems and were ready to create their own.”
“Ms. Marlaya was wonderful. She had the students engaged. They participated and enjoyed the session. They laughed, shared and learned a lot.“
Marlaya’s program is terrific. She has written and illustrated playful poetry for all grades from pre-k through 5th and the kids are thoroughly entertained by it. Not only do they listen and watch…they are encouraged to participate. After the performance, for 2nd grade and above, the kids get to produce their own pieces in the workshop that follows.
In her workshop, she instructs students in writing, illustrating and performing their own poetry. Beyond the technical skills, her program builds confidence and self- acceptance as she cultivates a non-competitive, supportive atmosphere where the children feel safe expressing their words and pictures. they learn to trust their creative instincts. She claims “Everyone is unique and we all have something to say!’’ They wind up sharing their ideas with ease and have fun in the process! She loves being an affirming presence and establishing a happy space for her students’ creativity. Children learn that poetry can be fun, and they are inspired to read and write so much more. Marlaya is a credentialed teacher with a strong background in generating and teaching the visual, literary, and theatrical arts.
This program is perfect for elementary and preschool classrooms, libraries, community workshops, children’s bookstores, literary events, festivals and more. It can be presented as a one time event or in a series.
Encouraging a student to express poetry with her whole body.
Learning how a rhyme scheme gives rhythm to a poem.
A student comes to the front to act out the "Bad Hair Day" poem.
Working with third grade student on his poetry and artwork.
My animated reading for little ones.
A little girl and her mom asked for my book to be signed.
If you have questions or would like to arrange a visit, please get in touch
Marlaya Charleston
📍 California
☎ (323) 308-9470