I Am Poem
Write a poem that shares your beliefs, dreams, and identity.
Class opens with this
Play Muhammad Ali’s How Great I Am and answer the following questions. What do you notice about the way he talks about himself? What words or phrases stand out to you? How does his confidence make you feel as a listener?
How it runs
Students write an I Am poem from a line-by-line template: I am, I wonder, I hear, I see, I want, I pretend, I feel, I touch, I worry, I cry, I understand, I say, I dream, I try, I hope. The frame does the heavy lifting, so a student who says they are not a writer still finishes one.
After quiet writing time, the class gathers so everyone can see each other and sets norms: positive feedback, one voice, no negativity. Sharing is invited, never required. Then every poem goes up on the Who We Are Wall, including yours and the staff's.
Why it is worth the period
When students share what is true for them and see it honored and displayed, they learn that their voice matters and that their presence shapes the room.
- Reflect on personal traits, experiences and aspirations through creative writing
- Use poetic elements to communicate their voice
- Contribute to the creation of a “Who We Are” classroom wall that represents the class’ collective identity
Teacher note
It is critical that the teacher creates their own I Am poem before the class starts and also to share it and post it on the wall.