Where I'm From

Last night, in my ED 692 class (Classroom Strategies in First and Second Language for Reading and Writing) we had a workshop presentation that included a lesson based on the work of George Ella Lyon. The lesson included a chance to write a "Where I'm From" poem, based on Ms. Lyon's work. It was a powerful experience, and one that I recommend to teachers everywhere.

Here's Mine (written from the perspective of my childhood):

I am from solitaire cards and chicken foot dominoes.
From dryer sheets and telephones.
I am from the nomadic
moving again and again and again.
I am from the coleus and the Christmas cactus.

I'm from sleeping in Christmas morning and playing Boggle.
From Kathy and "Cap'n Reese."
I'm from yelling and hugs
and from music.

I'm from strength and keep going
and Eensy Weensy Spider.
I'm from Oregon
My brother from Colorado
My sisters from Germany, New Jersey and Washington.
One sister left shortly after arriving.
From slideshows and Schranks
and pictures in forgotten boxes that now live at my house.


Where are you from?