10 Minutes of Book Love (Free Reading)

“I Am” poem Your happy place says a lot about who you are. For the next part of the activity: Write a list based on who you are in your happy place. Start each bullet of that list with “I am” Include traits (energetic, passionate, creative, smart, relentless) and roles (a leader, a sister, an explorer, a father) you fill when you are in that place. My Example: Happy Place: Outside under the stars Traits: I am hopeful I am at peace I am strong I am secretive Roles: I am a daughter I am a sister I am a teacher I am a student I am a friend

By Myself Eloise Greenfield When I am by myself And I close my eyes I’m a twin I’m a dimple in a chin I’m a room full of toys I’m a squeaky noise I’m a gospel song I’m a gong. I’m a leaf turning red I’m a loaf of brown bread I’m whatever I want to be and anything I care to be. And when I open my eyes What I want to be Is me

By Myself Eloise Greenfield This poem uses imagery (sights, sounds, tastes, feelings, smells), metaphor (a comparison between two things that does not use like or as), and rhyme. Pick your favorite line and write down a trait or role you think Eloise Greenfield was trying to convey about herself By Myself Eloise Greenfield When I am by myself And I close my eyes I’m a twin I’m a dimple in a chin I’m a room full of toys I’m a squeaky noise I’m a gospel song I’m a gong. I’m a leaf turning red I’m a loaf of brown bread I’m whatever I want to be and anything I care to be. And when I open my eyes What I want to be Is me

Writing your own poem I invite you to follow Eloise Greenfield and close your eyes. Think about yourself. What are the deepest feelings that define you, the hopes, the dreams, the commitments that support your life? To get started, draw from the place that makes you happiest and start with “When I am (state the place)”

Requirements Title for your poem Author’s name Typed, double spaced, and neat Must be a single page Minimum of at least 10 lines Minimum of two metaphors or similes Uses unique and vivid imagery Avoid the obvious and ordinary Does not have to rhyme!!!

Think of an image to describe yourself Think of an image to describe yourself. If you were a sound, what sound would that be? If you were a color, what color would that be? In the spirit of Eloise Greenfield, do not limit yourself to naming a color. You can place that color in context to make it more vivid, like her “leaf turning red.” If you were a flower, which one would you be? Which bird? Which animal? Which element of nature? How can you best express who you are?

Brainstorm Using Images & Traits Energetic: first chirping bird in summer time or sun peeping in the window Capable: a camel able to walk indefinitely Competitive: like an eager puppy Aspiring: The small buds of an oak tree (growing strong with each year) Shy: like the quiet music coming from a neighbor’s backyard

Roles: daughter, sister, friend, wife, teacher, athlete, hostess Traits: competitive, obsessive, loving, happy, energetic, athletic, aspiring to be more, considerate, shy, introverted, dedicated, persistent, capable….

“Radio Static” by Brittany Iatarola When I am alone with the stars And I lift my eyes I’m a mother I’m the creak of a door I’m the breath of the storm I’m the radio static I’m alive. I’m rose-golden dawn I’m a summertime song I’m all the wishes I ever made, and all the promises I ever kept. And when I stretch out my arms I trace the sky I fly.  

“The Old Book” by Danny H. I imagine that I am an old book on a bookshelf,, Untouched for weeks on end. I watch as other books around me get pulled Off the shelf, But not a single look in my direction, Like an invisible ghost sitting on a wooden shelf. Until finally, someone comes and pulls me off the shelf. Looking through me like a pane of glass Then they close my cover, and slide me back in my Spot on the bookcase, Where I will wait for another to come and sift through me.

“The Difference in My Silence” by Jess L. Quiet surrounds me Alone in my silence I dive deep into my thoughts. I am the arms around a wailing baby I am the caffeine triggering the energy rush I am like the shriek of a child on Halloween night I am the boiling anger of my bellowing brother I am the cackling hyena I am silent, always afraid, Only a number of people understand who and what I AM I will not be silent anymore I am different.

Due Dates The rough copy of this poem should be finished by the end of class tomorrow We will be typing up the final copy in the library on Monday

Question the Lesson: Why would I want to read a poem like this from you? After all, I assigned this to you. First week of school. Why?