Tuesday 10-15-13 I Am From… Answer the following questions: You are starting a new warm-up – put a heading at the top right hand corner and label and date each entry. Answer the following questions: 1. Where we were you born? 2. Where did you grow up? (could be the same place) 3. Where does your extended family live? (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) 4. List three things that are specific/special about the place you call “home”.

I am from… Each of us is influenced by a variety of factors in our lives. This writing activity explores those places, people, sights, words, sounds and smells that give us our cultural identity. You’re going to consider the elements that make up your cultural identity, and create a poem.

October Identity Narrative Directions: Create an identity narrative page using your “I am from” poem. Include a title, a border, a visual and a written section. 1.Title – “I am from” 2. 8.5x11 cardstock/Border – a similar border to your previous page. 3. Visual – at least one illustration or picture of an element in your poem. 4. Written Section – “I am from” poem generated from matrix Include the following poetic elements: *Length – at least 15 lines *Form – free verse poem *Theme/Main Idea – your cultural identity *Mood – how should the reader feel reading the poem? *Imagery -can the reader see, hear, taste, touch, smell where, what or who you are describing?

Analyze your prompt using FATPP F – free verse poem – at least 15 lines in length A – teacher and students T – places, people, sights, smells…that form my identity P – to entertain P – you must complete pre-writing and a rough draft in your writer’s notebook (use the ideas you generated completing the matrix, or explore new ones)

“I am from…” Matrix Category/Factors/Topics Now it’s your turn – Make a list in your writer’s notebook, using the matrix below to generate ideas, then put your ideas into a logical order to create a free verse poem. “I am from…” Matrix Category/Factors/Topics Places Products Food People Common things Pictures Events Phrases Smells Sounds Sights Ouches Actions (verbs) Write a rough draft from your list of ideas in your writer’s notebook.

Time to share and turn in your Final Product! Read over your poem and complete the checklist. Gather with your group (your row) and each of you read your poem aloud. Choose the page that is “Most Unique”, “Most Eye-Catching” and “Best Poem” and label them with a sticky note. 

Here’s a sample - I AM FROM… Southern ways Music Soul food People of all shades Slaves Bright colors Loud voices Concerts “Go on Girl” Sweet potato pie and Turkey in the oven Chitterlings on the stove stinking up the house Dancing all night Racism and small slights. (W. Gary)

Another Sample: I am from… The world’s most famous beach Steak-burgers, shakes and TAKHOMASACK A place where no one is from, but everyone goes Twenty-six miles of beachy splendor Sisters and best friends A place where hurricanes blaze a haphazard trail of destruction The City of speed Small town high school sports “The Sandcrabs” Wally Wings Mom & Dad Sawtooth Lane Home