Where+I'm+From+Poem

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Return to Term One Writing Assignments =Assignment Sheet=



Where I’m From poems were inspired by the “Where I’m From” poem by George Ella Lyon I(see original poem below) Since then, many have written their own Where I’m From poems. This poem goes beyond just a simple description of your hometown and extends into family traditions and beliefs.
 * What is it?**


 * Requirements**
 * Typed 12 point readable font, single-space with an extra space between stanzas
 * Handwritten with an extra line between stanzas
 * 20-40 lines broken into 3-6 stanzas
 * Use the template to inspire you; you don't have to stick exactly to the template, but follow the generic pattern
 * Your poem needs to contain at least one of the following: alliteration, personification, metaphors and/or simile. You must underline the line to indicate you used the figurative language on purpose.


 * Assignment Components**
 * **Pre-Write:** There is no pre-write for this assignment.
 * **1st Draft:** Use the attached template to help you write your draft. You do not have to stick exactly to the template; it is just a guide.
 * **Self-Edit:** Use the markers to make revision and editing markings
 * **2nd Draft:** Conference with me for feedback
 * **Final:** Handwritten or typed version with 2nd draft and sticky note.
 * **Publication:** Save a copy to put on your passion poster




 * Original Where I'm From Poem**

Where I'm From by George Ella Lyon I am from clothespins, from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride. I am from the dirt under the back porch. (Black, glistening, it tasted like beets.) I am from the forsythia bush the Dutch elm whose long-gone limbs I remember as if they were my own. I'm from fudge and eyeglasses, from Imogene and Alafair. I'm from the know-it-alls and the pass-it-ons, from Perk up! and Pipe down! I'm from He restoreth my soul with a cottonball lamb and ten verses I can say myself. I'm from Artemus and Billie's Branch, fried corn and strong coffee. From the finger my grandfather lost to the auger, the eye my father shut to keep his sight. Under my bed was a dress box spilling old pictures, a sift of lost faces to drift beneath my dreams. I am from those moments-- snapped before I budded -- leaf-fall from the family tree.

=Rubric=
 * **Criteria** ||  **5**  ||  **3**  ||  **1**  ||
 * Ideas/Content:** Some of the ideas are elaborated on, so it isn’t just simply I am from ______ from _____, but there are explanations and descriptions. The ideas expressed help the reader understand about the writer’s life. || || || ||
 * Organization:** The poem is divided into 3-6 stanzas and has meaningful, appropriate line breaks and stanza breaks.—it should not look like a prose paragraph. || || || ||
 * **Word Choice**: The poem uses vivid, specific nouns and verbs. The words evoke imagery. You have not used any be verbs other than the ones dictated from the template. || || || ||
 * **Voice:** The poem has a voice that is unique and sounds like the writer. || || || ||
 * Format:** Typed or handwritten, 12 point readable font, single-space with an extra space between stanzas. The poem is 20-40 lines long. || || || ||
 * **Figurative Language:** The poem contains either or all of the following: alliteration, simile, metaphor, or personification. The figure of speech is underlined. || || || ||
 * Format:** Typed or handwritten, 12 point readable font, single-space with an extra space between stanzas. The poem is 20-40 lines long. || || || ||
 * **Figurative Language:** The poem contains either or all of the following: alliteration, simile, metaphor, or personification. The figure of speech is underlined. || || || ||
 * **Figurative Language:** The poem contains either or all of the following: alliteration, simile, metaphor, or personification. The figure of speech is underlined. || || || ||

=Template=

= Madsen Example=

Where I’m From By: Katie Madsen I am from grocery sacks brimming with library books, from cheap brand ice-cream and Ritz crackers with beef stick I am from the small house surrounded by large ones in a tight-knit cul-de-sac. A home quaintly decorated, speckled with inspiring quotes, and rooted in love. I am from the rose bushes, the weeds— which I hated to pull. From delicious empanadas, scones and lasagna on my birthday. I’m from cozy family dinners laced with a humor embedded in all who bear the family name. From Cleo Mathis and Mark Alma Madsen. I am from faces prone to smile from endless pictures stored in boxes, Monkey Bread on Christmas Eve, and campouts in the backyard. From reading on the days I eat, remembering who I am, and returning with honor. I’m from the tribe of Ephraim. From Book of Mormon study, prayers, counting my blessings, and following the prophet. From a dad who cries from the pulpit; from a mom who serves in primary and young womens. I am from Denmark, Switzerland, and England. From Mormon pioneers, who trekked from Nauvoo to Salt Lake City, coveting the meat hanging from the back of the cart. I am from truth-tellers, and truth-seekers. I am from easing my stress, overworking myself, and trying to stay kind to others. From late night work sessions to dancing the night away. I am from honor, Integrity, And love.

I am from Happiness.