Our community recently wrote "Where I'm From" Poems. This is a staple in my writing workshop curriculum since my very 1st year teaching. I was introduced to this community building writing activity during my teacher preparation days at Arizona State University. My professor, Karen Smith, shared with us the original poem by George Ella Lyon. She then gave us a brainstorming sheet to write down ideas and instructed us to write from our experiences. What followed was a collection of beautifully written poems by myself and my classmates--and the opportunity for the first time in our teacher prep program to really hear and see each other in a new way. We felt connected, successful and ready to try more writing---the exact way I strive to have my students feel as they take on a new task---like writing.
This is a very powerful writing activity to build community and to let all children be successful in their writing. Each child has special people, memories and moments in their lives from which to gain ideas and no matter where the child is at in their writing, each poem becomes a unique piece of work, that can lend to more writing, help to get to know the child and allow the child to gain confidence in their craft.
In short---a great way to cultivate and nurture a community of writers.
Stay tuned for our very own "Where I'm From" Poems~
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