Where I'm From Song Analysis and Poetry Writing

"It may not sound like much, but it is where I'm from". Students in a classroom come from diverse backgrounds. This is the perfect activity to bring that diversity to light. I have used the song analysis and poetry writing assignment as a "back to school" ice breaker, as a tool to connect background with values right before reading TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD or FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, or as just a free-standing poetry lesson. No matter how you plan on using the songs, it will quickly become a student favorite year after year.

This attractive packet includes the following:

+ lyrics to three "Where I'm from Songs" (one pop song, one country song, and one Hawaiian song)
+ a one page song analysis chart
+ specific directions and timeline for a "Where I'm From" poetry assignment
+ three thought-provoking brainstorming sheets
+ a poem example
+ a poem rubric