Poem written by a student

Poetry  Break:

Introduction:

This poem was written by a student of mine. Listen closely as I read it, and enjoy.

Reasons Why I don't Focus

by Asher J

music

guitar

write it up

talking

texting

dude what's up!?!?

daydreams

questions

thoughtfulness

dirty 

bedroom

what a mess!!!

playing

fighting

lots of fun

boyfriends

best friends

nothing done.

Allow the poem to sink in for a minute, then reread it again.  After reading it the second time, ask students to list reasons they don't "focus".  Make a list on a large sheet of paper or white board as they name their reasons.

After making an extensive list, reread the poem again. 

If time allows, use this as a Poetry lesson and encourage students to choose one of the reasons they listed as a topic to write a poem about.  

Another way to extend the poem would be to allow students to line up and each read 1 word out loud from the poem. It would be fun to hear this poem read in a variety of different voices, and to see how the students emphasize the word they are reading.

Reasons Why I don't Focus.  Asher J.  Venture Home School Program. 2009.