I am from...

I'm experimenting a bit and trying to figure out a lesson.  I saw this really cool journal/poem on Pinterest and thought it would translate into a cool lesson for my students.  At the end of the semester, I plan on reading House on Mango Street.  It's one of my favorites to teach, but I'm always looking for ways to enhance my students' learning.

Where we come from makes up who we are.  We come from a variety of places, just as so many characters in books.  My idea is to first have my students make this poem for them, and then make it for the protagonist.  It got me thinking about what my "I am from" poem would look like.  I think it would go something like this:

I am from foothills and blue mountains

I am from Sunday School and "Jesus Loves You"

I am from woods and exploring and
"don't go too far!"

...from "read all you can" and "do your homework"

...from American Girl, Fear Street, and Babysitter's Club

I am from goodnight stories, runaway bunnies, goodnight moons, and sleepy clowns

I am from Playskool and Big Wheels
...from "The Elephant Song" and "Would You Like to Swing on a Moon"

...from "I believe in you" and "You are more than an average student"

I am from long summer days with mom...exploring creeks, swimming in pools, playing outside 'til it's dark...all that come from having a "teacher" mom

I am from Classic Rock..."who sings this" "did you know that" "he was a great musician"
...from Jimi, Steven, John, Paul, Ringo, and George

I am from imaginary classrooms filled with students eager to learn
...and the world of make believe

...from "tell me a story, Granny" and "sing me a song"
...from froggies that went a courtin' and grandfather clocks

I am from Sunday lunches, a close family, and good food
....creamed corn, mashed taters, homemade bread, chocolate birthday cake

I am from the blue house, at the top of the hill, surrounded by big pine trees, in a house full of love....