Monday, May 20, 2013

Where I'm From (freebie)

I'm a big fan of discovering the magic in the words of a young poet.  I think it's harder to find that magic when kids think poetry has to rhyme or when there are lots of rules involved.  There's something rather powerful about free verse poetry.  It makes for clever poems like these.

Having said that, amidst a poetry unit full of free verse, I tried something new this year recommended by a fellow writing teacher, Marie, who loves teaching free verse poetry as well.  Have you heard the poem "Where I'm From" by George Ella Lyon?  It's a heart-felt and unique poem that lends itself to imitation even for first graders.  Here are a few first grade examples.
Below is a template that you're welcome to use.  Marie gave me a great one, and I modified it ever so slightly.  You'll also find many varieties on the internet.
(Click on the picture for your own copy.)


I still love free verse the most, but I'm glad that Marie shared this with me.  I think these poems will be special treasures for not only the poets but their families as well. 


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13 comments:

  1. LoriMay 20, 2013 at 6:02 PM

    You have such a talent for coaxing out beautiful writing from your students! Love it!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. TammyMay 21, 2013 at 8:44 AM

      Lori, thank you for such a wonderful comment. It's not always easy, but writing from day one certainly helps.

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  2. BarbaraMay 20, 2013 at 8:06 PM

    This is fabulous. Thank you so much. Talk about authentic!
    BTW, what amazing grade 1 poems.

    Barbara @
    Grade ONEderful
    Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

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    1. TammyMay 21, 2013 at 8:45 AM

      Barbara, they did a great job. The template certainly helps.

      Delete
  3. Lyn GoffMay 21, 2013 at 2:59 PM

    I miss teaching poetry. I think you might have inspired me to try free verse with my little ones. I love Mathew's and Reece's poems! Your teaching is so amazing.
    Lyn

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    1. TammyMay 21, 2013 at 5:45 PM

      Lyn, I'd love to read some free verse from your little ones!

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  4. Tamera WilsonMay 21, 2013 at 6:03 PM

    We wrote these in Grad School and I forgot all about it during my poetry unit. We may just have to revisit!
    :)
    Tamera
    MyHeartBelongsinFirst
    Kaizactan2001@yahoo.com

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    1. TammyMay 21, 2013 at 7:31 PM

      Tamera, you definitely should. Your poets would be impressed to hear that they're doing the work of grad students. :)

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  5. Owl Things FirstMay 21, 2013 at 6:14 PM

    First, I love George Ella Lyon! Second, I love poetry and first graders! Third, THANK YOU!! I'm almost looking forward to coming back home from my week long field trip!
    Jenny

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    1. TammyMay 21, 2013 at 7:32 PM

      Jenny, you're funny. Thank you for commenting and making me smile today.

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  6. UnknownMay 22, 2013 at 5:29 PM

    This is wonderful! I can't wait to do the "Where I am From" Poems with my class! Tomorrow is going to be our Poetry Cafe!

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    1. TammyMay 22, 2013 at 6:24 PM

      Thanks Melissa and Brittany. Have fun with your poets tomorrow.

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  7. AnonymousDecember 10, 2020 at 12:13 PM

    Hello, I am doing an assignment in my course: Children Literature and I would like to give credit to the writer and properly reference his work. His name is Matty with the :"Where I am From" poem. I would like to know the year it was written and Matty's last name

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