Do Now FIRST Put your name on the

Do Now: FIRST: • Put your name on the back of your contribution to the wall of inspiration, then place it in the homework bin • If you don’t have it, pick up a late work form from next to the bin. • Put your signed syllabus on your desk SECOND: • In your journal, describe (in 5 sentences or more) a setting that makes you feel most inspired. Perhaps it’s a park you love or a room in your house. Maybe it’s any time you’re out in the snow, or around certain people you care about. Be sure to include the sights, sounds, feelings, and emotions you associate with that place.

Share with your table group • As you listen, write down your favorite piece of imagery • (Imagery: when a writer appeals to the reader’s senses in order to fully illustrate a setting)

Specific Language vs General Language • Specific: The sky burned so blue that day, it hurt to look up. • General: The sky was blue that day.

“I Am” poem

Eloise Greenfield • Eloise Greenfield has been writing since she was in her early 20 s and has published 38 children's books, including picture books, novels, poetry, and biographies. Her work often portrays strong, loving African American families and communities, such as the ones in which she grew up.

By Myself Eloise Greenfield When I am by myself And I close my eyes I’m a twin I’m a dimple in a chin I’m a room full of toys I’m a squeaky noise I’m a gospel song I’m a gong. I’m a leaf turning red I’m a loaf of brown bread I’m whatever I want to be and anything I care to be. And when I open my eyes What I want to be Is me

Purposes • To recognize the many roles we play • To practice authorship • To draw up important memories of events, people, and places in our lives • To develop our own uniqueness, and to recognize the diversity in others • To develop a self-respect, appreciating what is good and positive in ourselves

Writing your own poem • I invite you to follow Eloise Greenfield and close your eyes. Think about yourself. What are the deepest feelings that define you, the hopes, the dreams, the commitments that support your life?

Think of an image to describe yourself. If you were a sound, what sound would that be? If you were a color, what color would that be? In the spirit of Eloise Greenfield, do not limit yourself to naming a color. You can place that color in context to make it more vivid, like her “leaf turning red. ” If you were a flower, which one would you be? Which bird? Which animal? Which element of nature? How can you best express who you are?

Requirements • Title for your poem • Author’s name • Typed, double spaced, and neat • Must be a single page • Minimum of at least 10 lines • Minimum of two metaphors or similes • Uses unique and vivid imagery • Avoid the obvious and ordinary

Roles: daughter, sister, friend, wife, teacher, athlete, hostess Traits: competitive, obsessive, loving, happy, energetic, athletic, aspiring to be more, considerate, shy, introverted, dedicated, persistent, capable….

Brainstorm Using Images & Traits • Energetic: first chirping bird in summer time or sun peeping in the window • Capable: a camel able to walk indefinitely • Competitive: like an eager puppy • Aspiring: The small buds of an oak tree (growing strong with each year) • Shy: like the quiet music coming from a neighbor’s backyard

“Radio Static” by Brittany Iatarola When I am alone with the stars I’m rose-golden dawn And I lift my eyes I’m a summertime song I’m a mother I’m all the wishes I ever made, I’m the creak of a door and all the promises I ever kept. I’m the breath of the storm And when I stretch out my arms I’m the radio static I trace the sky I’m alive. I fly.

“The Old Book” by Danny H. I imagine that I am an old book on a bookshelf, , Untouched for weeks on end. I watch as other books around me get pulled Off the shelf, But not a single look in my direction, Like an invisible ghost sitting on a wooden shelf. Until finally, someone comes and pulls me off the shelf. Looking through me like a pane of glass Then they close my cover, and slide me back in my Spot on the bookcase, Where I will wait for another to come and sift through me.

“The Difference in My Silence” by Jess L. Quiet surrounds me Alone in my silence I dive deep into my thoughts. I am the arms around a wailing baby I am the caffeine triggering the energy rush I am like the shriek of a child on Halloween night I am the boiling anger of my bellowing brother I am the cackling hyena I am silent, always afraid, Only a number of people understand who and what I AM I will not be silent anymore I am different.

Homework Tonight • Finish your rough copy of this poem tonight. • It is due, typed and polished, on Tuesday.