1. Poets write from their heart and share what is important to them.

2. Poetry is a genre that allows the author to share their inner visions.

3. Where do you think the topics for these poems come from?

4. It comes from what is inside our hearts.

5. Nancy Atwell says, “Of all the genres, poetry is the one that is made for feelings. It expresses my needs, dreams and emotions.”

6. The next step is exploring your dreams, emotions, and needs.

7. Who are the people you really care about?
To help you get started think about what really affects your heart? Ask yourself:
Who are the people you really care about?
What are the places you really care about?
Which memories have stayed with you?
What are happy, sad, scared, jealous, lonely times that you remember?
What things do you love?
What things bring you comfort?
What connects you to other people?
What are your dreams?

8. Now you are ready to make your heart map
Now you are ready to make your heart map . Remember to keep the most important things in the center of your heart.

9. Your heart map can take different forms as long as you consider the things that matter.

10. You heart map might look like this sample.

11. Or it might look like this.

12. Or it might look like Nancy Atwell’s Heart Map

13. If you don’t like valentines hearts you might want to use one that anatomically correct.

15. It doesn’t matter which heart you chose, but dig in and reveal what affects your heart.