http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/score_lessons/symbols_freedom/pages/i_am_poem.html
http://washingtonelementarypoetry.blogspot.com/2008/01/5th-grade-i-am-poems.html
Here is both a format that is perfect for "I Am" poems in the classroom, and also some examples of actual poems that have been used in this particular classroom. Why do you think poems like these are not only great to write and have as a teacher, but also to use in the classroom?
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I liked that with the first link, the sentence was started off for the students. I liked how they were different yet all the sentences would tell something unique about the person who wrote it. I think that this would be a useful template to use in younger classrooms or in situations where an older student does not know how to begin an assignment like this. With the second link, I liked reading the different poems from the fifth graders. I liked that they were highly creative yet plausible. I think that this is a great assignment for all ages, and the blog that is dedicated specifically to poetry supports this.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the first link because it gave prompts for kids to fill in appropriate answers. This makes for good idea starters and helps those that might have trouble getting started. I think 'I Am' poems are great for use in the classroom. They are fun and creative and get children writing.Children can draw on their interests and personal ideas to write these poems, so they become more interesting and engaging for the child, which should be one of the goals in writing for children.
ReplyDeleteagree that the I Am Me poems are a great idea to do in a classroom! I think that anything where kids have the change to share their experiences, likes, dislikes, and other characteristics is a great idea to build classroom community and empathy for each other. Sometimes it is easier for us to write and share a poem than just openly talk about ourselves to others. Writing a poem allows for creativity and an alternative writing form than just short answers, essays, and stories that children may do more often in their class. The first link provided ideas that the children can use to brainstorm what they are going to say in their poem, but I don't think all of those items should be used as a definite criteria and list for the poem because you want them to use their own experiences and add their own creativity rather than just answer a list of phrases. The second link is also great to provide your students with examples that were also written by students and people their own age.
ReplyDeleteI like how you can use I Am poems for all levels. You can start with younger ages teaching verbs, nouns, and adjectives. Then you can use it with adults as self discovery and personal reflection. It is great that there are sites like the second link that support poetry for the youth. Those 5th graders got to see their work posted for the world to see. That can give a child the confidence to be a great writer or poet.
ReplyDeleteI love how the first site provides a format for young students to write an I Am poem. I think that the prompt gets their creativity flowing and allows them to be humerous, but also self reflective at the same time. I loved reading the 5th grade students poems at the second link! Great application of what we are doing at the University level and placing it in the k-6 classroom!
ReplyDeleteDoing the I am Poem in our class allowed us to not only express who we are but it also allows us to learn about others and where they come from. I thiink that this would be a great classroom activity because it would help build a community. I think the first example would be beneficial at all age levels because it allows a starting ground for a first grader to use simple sentences or for a 12th grader to use elaborate, metaphorical sentences. I think its an interesting method of teaching that will work at all levels.
ReplyDeleteThese are two very useful links! The "I Am Poem" is such a great activity, and I think it is a wonderful thing to use in the classroom. The first link is nice because it gives a format for students to use when creating an "I Am Poem." I would find this useful to help students begin their poems and be creative because they still get to fill in the blanks. The second link was also interesting because they were actual examples of student work. I was very impressed with the poems that were featured; they were so well-written and imaginative! I think that these poems are important for teachers to have and write, because they help us define ourselves and know who we are and what we want for our students. The poems are great for the classroom because they are fun for students, provide them with language arts instruction, and allow us (the teachers) to get to know our students a little better.
ReplyDeleteI found both the links provided useful for educators as well as students. Out of both links, I liked the second one better since it gives students examples of other student work! By doing this students are able to see how an I am poem looks like (the whole) and thus are given an idea of how to create one.
ReplyDeleteTo answer the question posted by Tara, I think that poems can be a useful tool in the classroom because they help form a community. In addition to the creativity, through I am poems students are also able to learn about one another! This is very important for students since it helps them form stronger bonds. In addition to the community formed, by doing I am poems students are also given an opportunity to think about who they really are and how important they are to family, friends, and even society! Often times students feel unheard and meaningless to the world, but by doing an activity like this they are able to learn a little bit more about themselves and their importance to the their community!
Not all children, especially young ones are very comfortable in writing, especially poetry. this is great to get student's minds warmed up and their creativity juices flowing. I think that the I Am poems are great for the beginning of a school year to help everyone get more comfortable with each other while learning important things about each person in the class. The teacher should also participate so their students will learn more about them as well.
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