Where I’m From

An Introductory Poem

Read Along Read “Where I’m From” by George Ella

Lyon along with the teacher. On a sticky note, write down three words

or phrases that grab your attention. With a partner, complete one of the

following sentences: The most important characteristic of this poem

is… This poem is unique because…

What’s special about this kind of poem? It draws out your memories, both physical

and emotional. It connects you with people and things

that are important to your personality. It forces you to share specific details

making your writing richer, more complex, and more interesting.

It shows what makes you unique.

Brainstorm Draw a web with the following categories:

Family members (names) Friends (names) Pets (types & names) Foods (things your family eats) Stories (events from your life) Sayings (things people always say to you) Places (places that are yours)

Create an Outline and Share

Your Task Write a poem about

yourself.

Use rich, descriptive language.

Use symbols and metaphors to describe yourself or your background.

Use the Poem and Chart To Start

Write Write your poem on your own paper. Skip lines. Use the example and the template for

guidance. Don’t be afraid to get creative – add or

extend ideas that help your poem blossom. If you’re not sure about it, ask the teacher.

Share, Revise, and Share Again Share your poem with a new partner. Partners should look for lively, descriptive

words. Brainstorm at least one new word to add to your partner’s poem.

Revise your poem and make certain you can read it.

Be prepared to share your poem with the class!

Image Bibliography Hagerty, Francine. "Harrison High School | Francine Hagerty." Harrison

High School. N.p., 1 Aug. 2010. Web. 7 Aug. 2012. <http://blogs.harrisonhigh.org/francine_hagerty/2010/08/>

"It's MY mind!: Memory for Weird Stuff." It's MY mind!. N.p., 19 July 2012. Web. 7 Aug. 2012. <http://itsmynd.com/2012/07/memory-for-weird-stuff.html>.

Lyon, George. "Where I'm From, a poem by George Ella Lyon, writer and teacher." Official site of George Ella Lyon, writer and teacher. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Aug. 2012. <http://www.georgeellalyon.com/where.

"Paines Plough." Paines Plough. N.p., 1 June 2012. Web. 7 Aug. 2012. <http://www.painesplough.com/current-programme/come-to-where-im-from>.

"University of Richmond Writer's Web." Writer's Web: Topic Index. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Aug. 2012. http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb.html.

"Verbatim Clip-it USB Flash Drive Now Available |Gadgetsin." Gadgetsin. N.p., 2 Jan. 2011. Web. 7 Aug. 2012. <http://gadgetsin.com/verbatim-clip-it-usb-flash-drive-now-available.htm>.