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poem
Where I'm From
​

READY. . .
For this project, you will write a poem describing the geography of  your life.  To do this, you will need to think about your family, friends, home, community, state and country. After writing your poem, you will gather images and turn your poem into a digital story.

Start by watching the "Where I'm From" video by Digable Planets.  Notice how their use of repetition gives the song momentum,  propelling it forward.


Next, read George Ella Lyon's poem, "Where I'm From."  Take note of his creative descriptors.  Next, check out "I Am From", another example written by a California teen.  Notice how both writers capture their roots in moments and objects rather than places.


SET. . .
Now, make four lists of adjectives and nouns describing the unique features, elements, objects and people in your life:

1. house/home
2. family and friends
3. town/village/community
4. state and country

GO!
Using the models provided, drop the phrase "Where I'm from" or "I am from" in front of each of your four lists to create your own "Where I'm From" poem describing the geography of your life. Experiment with rhythm and rhyme by changing or rearranging the words in your list.  Repeat the phrase "Where I'm from" or "I am from" as many times as you find necessary.

When your poem is written and revised, begin searching for and saving at least one image for each line of your poem.  Then upload your images to iMovie to create a digital poem.

 

poem
I Am
​

READY:

For the second part of this project, you will write a poem describing who you are.  To do this, you will need to think about your beliefs, hopes, fears, and curiosities. After writing your poem, you will gather images and turn your poem into another digital story.

 

SET:

Start by brainstorming the following:
 

  1. List five adjectives that describe you (for example: silly, shy, or hyper).

  2. List three things you like to do in your free time.

  3. List two things that frighten you.

  4. List two things that you wonder about. 

  5. List three things you absolutely believe in (for example, that we should care about our carbon footprint, that getting good grades is important, that love at first sight does happen, etc.)

  6. Complete these sentences.

 

GO!

Use your brainstorming to help you complete the poem below.  Challenge yourself to include at least one metaphor or simile.  Feel free to include additional lines to help create a full representation of yourself, and repeat the refrain “I am ______________, the/a _______________” as many times as you’d like.

 

Write the rough draft of your "I Am" poem on this frame.

 

 

When your poem is written and revised, begin searching for and saving at least one image for each line of your poem.  Then upload your images and text to Haiku Deck to create a digital poem.

 

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