1. “I Am” poem

2. Purposes of I AM Poem To recognize the many roles we play
To practice authorship
To draw up important memories of events, people, and places in our lives
To develop self-respect and appreciate what is good and positive in ourselves

3. 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

4. Roles: wife, daughter, sister, friend, aunt, teacher, writer, reader, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owner Traits: smart, funny, happy, loving, empathetic, outgoing, competitive, resilient, compassionate, sarcastic

5. DO NOW
Either in your Writer’s Notebook, or on a clean sheet of paper in the English section of your notebook, write down: Roles: Traits

6. Writing your own poem Think about yourself.
What are the deepest feelings that define you?
What are your hopes and dreams?
What are your many identities?

7. Specific Language vs General Language
Identify general vs specific language
General: The sky was blue that day.
Specific: The sky burned so blue that day, it hurt to look up.

8. 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

9. “Between Snoozing” by Mrs. Dawn Marinello
before dawn yawns -
Life stretches and sighs
I am a wife
I am the rainbow arching over
a puddle muddled driveway
I am a daughter
I am the first bite of meatball
pizza with extra cheese
I am an aunt
I am the prayers I recite each
night
I am a fur mama
I am a deep breath at 2:30 p.m.,
everyday, Monday thru Friday
I am here
I am alive
I am me

10. DO NOW Brain Storm I AM poem Begin rough draft
Computers Lab Wed, 4/4; Thursday, 4/5