I Poems September 30, 2008

I’ve never thought about using I Poems in my classroom.  I think this would be a great way to give children a format for writing poetry.  They sometimes need that little push to get them started writing.  I also think this would be an amazing way to incorporate nonfiction into writing.  Students are too often stuck with a certain type of writing format such as narrative, imaginative, and expository.   Many teachers don’t open up poetic opportunities for children.  I poems can not only be fun but also spark poetic interests.  Many students, often think poetry is strictly analysis and a huge burden.  They are not always given the proper opportunities to write poems in the classroom.  I feel that students should be introduced to poetry in the elementary grades so that they will be prepared when they reach middle school, high school, and college.  I feel as though I wasn’t prepared enough as a child.  I can’t even remember how many poems I’ve written throughout the years.  I think if students know how to write the poem and are given examples with plenty of modeling they will fall in love with poetry.

I Am a Red-eyed Tree Frog September 30, 2008

I Am

I am bright green with blue and yellow stripped sides.
I wonder if I will catch many flies tonight.
I hear crickets chirping in the night.
I see best after dark.
I want to rest my sticky feet upon a broken branch.
I am bright green with blue and yellow stripped sides.

I pretend to be fierce with my big, bright eyes.
I feel best in a warm climate.
I touch the rough branch of a torn tree limb.
I worry that something will wake me during my day sleep.

I cry if you’re not gentle with me.
I am bright green with blue and yellow stripped sides.

I understand that you may want to take me home.
I say you must be very delicate with me.
I dream about a tasty meal of bugs.
I try to capture grasshoppers for food.
I hope I don’t frighten you with my glowing eyes at night.
I am bright green with blue and yellow stripped sides.