‘I Remember’ Poem

I’ve shared this idea at a couple of my workshops.  These poems sound amazing when they’re finished.

Directions for the poem (Read each direction, give students time to write 1 or 2 sentences, read the next direction):

Write one thing that happened this week

Write one thing that happened last month

Write one thing that happened 2 to 3 years ago

Write one thing that you have good memories about–a time, a place, an event

Pick one of these thoughts.  Tell a partner all of the details.  Write about the memory.  Every sentence must begin with ‘I remember’.

For example:  My First Homerun

I remember walking up to the plate with that familiar knot in my stomach;

I remember my surprise when the bat connected with the ball;

I remember watching the ball sail through the air;

I remember the roar of the crowd as I rounded second base;

I remember my heart pounding as the coach waved me past third;

I remember the thrill of my foot touching home base;

I remember being swarmed by my teammates;

I remember slaps on the back;

I remember leaving the park that day with my head held high.

It’s really important to give students time to talk before they write.  Their writing will be much richer and more detailed.  This poem could also be done by choosing an idea from the writer’s notebook rather than going through the steps at the beginning.

I’d love to hear from teachers who are using any of these ideas on this blog.  Feel free to post comments about this or any other post.