To get to know all of you, I want to do a small writing project to kick off the year. We are going to write “I am” poems or “Bio” poems. These poems will allow you a chance to tell your classmates and I a little bit about yourself.

Directions: Look over the following three poetry formats and examples. Then, choose a format you would like to follow to use to write your poem. Each format becomes a little more challenging. Pick one you feel most comfortable using, be creative, and go with it!

Please complete a rough draft (either hand written or typed) to bring with you to class on Thursday, September 3rd. This assignment will not be graded, however it will tell me a lot about you as an individual and also a student in Communication Arts.

I AM Poem #1 -Format

I am (your name) Son/Daughter of (I've also used brother/sister of...) Who needs … Who loves … Who sees … Who hates … Who fears … Who dreams of … Who has found (something you have learned about life or something you have literally found) Resident of (I've seen people list here everything from their address to "the small blue green planet third from the sun") I am (your name)

I AM Poem #1 Example

I am Mrs Hegge. Wife of Ben Hegge, but daughter of Bob and Judy Nast Who needs fresh air, laughter, family and friends Who loves riding horses, walking, and Penn State Who sees students overcoming obstacles Who hates laziness, dishonesty, and discrimination Who fears wasps and losing freedoms, family and friends Who dreams of successful students, building a house with my husband, and showing horses again Who has found a few kinds words can go a long way to make things right Resident of Derry Township, I am Mrs. Hegge. I AM Poem #2-Format

FIRST STANZA I am (two special characteristics you have) I wonder (something you are actually curious about) I hear (an imaginary sound) I see (an imaginary sight) I want (an actual desire) I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

SECOND STANZA

I pretend (something you actually pretend to do) I feel (a feeling about something imaginary) I touch (an imaginary touch) I worry (something that really bothers you) I cry (something that makes you very sad) I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

THIRD STANZA I understand (something you know is true) I say (something you believe in) I dream (something you actually dream about) I try (something you really make an effort about) I hope (something you actually hope for) I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

I AM Poem #2-Example

I am a determined teacher who loves a challenge. I wonder how to reach my students this year. I hear their brains turning. I see the light in their eyes. I want my students to want to succeed. I am a determined teacher who loves a challenge.

I pretend my students love to do homework. I feel love and education can change the world. I touch the hearts and minds of others. I worry I am not good enough. I cry when teenagers are cruel to each other.

I am a determined teacher who loves a challenge. I understand hatred still exists. I say it is up to me to make a change. I dream of being the best teacher I can be. I try to make my classes entertaining. I hope I never stop caring. I am a determined teacher who loves a challenge.

Adapted from Art Belliveau’s I AM poem Bio Poem A bio-poem’s first line is simply a person’s first name. Its last line is the person’s last name. In between are at least six to eight lines that describe the person by expressing his or her loves/likes, dislikes, hopes, fears and any other details that characterize him or her. This is probably the most challenging, but is very rewarding.

Stevie Jean

Teacher, new wife, daughter, friend

Likes to confuse new friends with her name; Stevie to friends but is Stephanie formally

Who has loved riding horses even before walking

Who looks forward to summertime bonfires, changing leaves, glistening snow, and spring flowers Believes in loving all people and working hard to accomplish goals

Who bleeds Blue & White, loves going to Penn State football games, and believes Happy Valley really is the happiest place

Loves family, small town community, and the Kiwanis Wyoming County Fair

Who hopes this is a challenging and successful year for each student

(Nast) Hegge