Class 2 students across all three sections have been working thoughtfully and creatively to develop their own original poems, inspired by “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon.
To begin the unit, the girls read and analyzed Lyon’s poem, exploring how she uses specific memories and small details to paint a picture of her life and identity. As a class, they discussed how to use imagery and sensory language in their writing to share a sense of place and emotion. They also learned the importance of “showing not telling,” and practiced using this skill in their own writing.
After spending time with Lyon’s work, the students began reflecting on the experiences and details that make up their own personal stories. Teachers shared brainstorming worksheets that prompted students to consider places, spaces, activities, foods, people and memories that are special to them. Using this worksheet as a starting point, the girls began drafting their own poems.
After revising and editing their writing and working one on one with their teachers for additional support, Chapin’s student poets finalized their work. Each piece began the same way — with the line “I am from…”— with the girls then choosing to add rhymes, humor or personal anecdotes, making each poem unique. One Class 2 student wrote, “I am from story books that my grandma reads to me in the warm fluffy bed.”
Through their poetry, the girls had the opportunity to share more about who they are with their classmates and teachers. Another student wrote, “I am from the sounds of cars honking and taxis driving past me. From the feeling of the wrapping paper when I’m opening presents on my birthday and my friends and family singing happy birthday to me.”
To complete the project, the students carefully copied their final poems onto cardstock paper. As a creative final touch, they used watercolors to design one-of-a-kind borders surrounding their writing, choosing from a wide range of colors to reflect their individuality. “I am from Chapin, from the great field trips, from the Gator…” another Class 2 student wrote.
The decorated poems will be hung up in the classrooms in celebration of their hard work and creativity and for all to enjoy!
