Creative After-Reading Response: "I Am" Poems

It was the barely controlled chaos of the last day of English class before Christmas break in 4th and 5th grade. I needed to wrap up the novel we’d finished reading, Waffle Hearts by Maria Parr (see here and here), with a short but worthwhile activity—preferable an activity that would demonstrate understanding of the novel while challenging students’ creative and critical thinking, while also being engaging enough to harness the high level of energy. Do you remember the last day of class before Christmas break in elementary school?

The idea I came up with was “I Am” poems, but for the two main characters in the novel rather than the actual writer. I was actually surprised at how well it worked!  Students went back to the book to find examples. They discussed ideas with peers, came up with overall good summaries, and even deepened their understanding of the characters as they put themselves into the characters’ shoes, writing from their perspective. The side-by-side format also lent itself well to comparison and contrast, which some students picked up on and highlighted.

I gave students two forms with blanks—one for Trille and another for Lena (see photo above). With a little more time, I would have worked with the class to create a collaborative class draft. As it was, I posted the poems as students finished, and they were interested to see their classmates’ products. And today, I took the liberty of choosing lines from all the students’ poems and combining them (see below). A few times I just couldn’t whittle the choices down to one, so I left in two or three. Warning: I tried to avoid spoilers, but there are a couple. I can’t wait to share the product with the kids next week!    

    

“I Am” Poem: Trille

I am shy and loyal.
I wonder why Lena didn’t tell me something important was going to happen.
I hear Lena shouting, “Trille, you slowpoke!”
I see Lena falling from high places.
I want Lena to give me back Jesus’ picture.
I am shy and loyal.

I pretend to be in World War 2.
I feel love from parents.
I touch Auntie Granny’s waffle maker.
I worry if Hillside Molly is safe.
I cry when my dad sings my sad song.
I am shy and loyal.

I understand that Lena is scared, too.
I say God is with us.
I dream that I am Lena’s best friend.
I try to save Molly from the fire.
I hope that Lena can get a dad.
I am shy and loyal.
 

“I Am” Poem: Lena

I am brave and a bit crazy, impulsive and energetic.
I wonder if we can be like Noah.
I hear Uncle Tor yelling at me.
I want a dad. 
I am brave and a bit crazy, impulsive and energetic.

I pretend like I’m Jesus rescuing the lamb, like I’m a ship’s figurehead, like I’m okay, but I’m scared in my heart. 
I feel sad to leave Mathildewick Cove.
I touch the bandage on my head.
I worry about the chicken pox.
I never cry!
I am brave and a bit crazy, impulsive and energetic

I understand when Trille is frightened.
I say that Trille’s grandpa is awesome.
I dream of being a goalie.
I try not to take the blame.
I hope I can get a dad.
I am brave and a bit crazy, impulsive and energetic.

I will definitely add this after-reading response to my teacher toolbox along with hexagonal thinking and one-pagers. What’s a fairly quick and easy but still engaging and rigorous after-reading response that you use?

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“I Am” Poem form

I am (2 special characteristics you have) _______________________
I wonder ________________________________________________
I hear ___________________________________________________
I see ____________________________________________________
I want ___________________________________________________
I am (repeat 1st line) _______________________________________

I pretend ________________________________________________
I feel (an emotion) _________________________________________
I touch (sense) ___________________________________________
I worry __________________________________________________
I cry ____________________________________________________
I am (repeat 1st line) _______________________________________

I understand (something that is true) ___________________________
I say (something you believe in) ______________________________
I dream __________________________________________________
I try (something you really make an effort about) ________________
I hope ___________________________________________________
I am (repeat 1st line) _______________________________________